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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
accustomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
ahead
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From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
all
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From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
bad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
bearingsplural nounUS /ˈberɪŋz/
directions used to locate a place, especially at sea
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
bring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
ByprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
craftnounUS /kræft/
a boat or ship in this chapter’s sailing situation
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
Darry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
degrees
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From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
dismay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
handle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
heaving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
impossible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
IMPRISONED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
kinds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
knowledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
LAUNCH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
less
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From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
meeting
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From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
nautical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
oars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
practice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
prospect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
requirednounUS /required/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
sandy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
sheet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
skill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
slightest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
staunch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
steady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
surrounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
upset
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
waves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
weather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
