used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
comparativeadjectiveUS /kəmˈperətɪv/
relating to or based on or involving comparison
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
destructiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/
causing destruction or much damage
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
enjoyingverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
communicated in words
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
fathersnounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
plural of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
moving swiftly
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
set up or found
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
gullsnounUS /ɡʌlz/
plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
hurricanenounUS /ˈhɜːrəkeɪn/
a severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds moving at 63-136 knots (12 on the Beaufort scale)
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
never-endingadjectiveUS /ˌnevərˈendɪŋ/
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
and nothing more
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
coated with paint
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
peaceableadjectiveUS /ˈpiːsəbəl/
inclined or disposed to peace
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
sharknounUS /ʃɑːrk/
any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
transport commercially
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
thrillnounUS /θrɪl/
the swift release of a store of affective force
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They spent much of their time on deck, enjoying the never-ending charm of the ocean.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
tropicaladjectiveUS /ˈtrɑːpɪkəl/
relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
a source of difficulty
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
undividedadjectiveUS /ˌʌndəˈvaɪdɪd/
not parted by conflict of opinion
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
precisely as stated
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Beginning of Trouble Bob and Joe found the ocean voyage very interesting, for it was something new to them.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Thus far the weather had remained peaceable enough, and both boys expressed a desire for it to continue thus.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The waves, sea gulls, flying fish, an occasional shark, the painted horizon, and the ship itself all held their undivided attention and made them thrill at the fact that they were living through an experience that only a comparative few had the opportunity of enjoying.
witnessedverbUS /ˈwɪtnəst/
past form of “witness” — be a witness to
From this reading They had never witnessed a hurricane, but had heard from their fathers of how destructive a tropical ocean storm could really be.
