Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
answer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
answering
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From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
ask
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
battle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
BOUND
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From this reading OUTWARD BOUND.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
busy and excited activity
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
button-hole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
captainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
capture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
commanding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
confusion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
contrive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
culminating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
decisive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
departure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
eager
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
excitedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪd/
very enthusiastic or eager
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
functionary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
giving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
half-hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
hitheradverbUS /ˈhɪðər/
an old word meaning “to this place”
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
inquires
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
inquiries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
Nowell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
officers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
orders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
Oronoco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
OUTWARD
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From this reading OUTWARD BOUND.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
passengers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
powersnounUS /powers/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
pursued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
quest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
roaming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
sailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
Saltram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
Saltram's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
scene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
scudding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
semi-distraction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
sharp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
steward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
thitheradverbUS /ˈðɪθɜːr/
an old word meaning “to that place”
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
tidings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
travellers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
ubiquitous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
underlings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
vaguely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr. Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Mr. Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.
wrenchnounUS /rɛntʃ/
a sudden twisting movement that causes pain
From this reading He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr. Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
