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 paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
all
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From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
anywhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
begun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
blow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
churn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
clipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
cry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
disadvantage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
effect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
eight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
elbows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
faintest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
fight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
gathered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
guessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Without reflection, I sprang to his release.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
instant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
middle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
movement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
opponents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
paddles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
plank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
probability
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
promised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
rapid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
recall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
reflection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Without reflection, I sprang to his release.
release
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Without reflection, I sprang to his release.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
rough-and-tumble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
Ruffiano's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
serious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
severe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
shoulders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
speed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
sprang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Without reflection, I sprang to his release.
struggling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
surprisednounUS /surprised/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
suspected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
suspicious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
swift
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
vague
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
vibration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading I was suspicious enough already, though in so vague a fashion that I hardly guessed what I suspected, and I recall the fact that I was not in the least surprised when I heard a cry from Ruffiano's lips, and saw the old man struggling in the arms of a big sailor who had clipped him by both elbows from behind and held him in a position of the most serious disadvantage.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were eight or ten people engaged in it, and the whole thing was so rapid that I had not the faintest idea as to where my opponents came from.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The paddles had already begun to churn in the water, and the vessel to move slowly, but with a swift vibration in every plank of her which promised speed when once she had gathered way.
WithoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Without reflection, I sprang to his release.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I felt a heavy blow between the shoulders, which would in all probability have taken effect upon my head but for my sudden movement, and in an instant I was in the middle of as severe a rough-and-tumble fight as I could remember anywhere.
