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 A CALL AT HELSINGFORS.
acknowledge
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From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
adult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
any
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From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
ATprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A CALL AT HELSINGFORS.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
boatswainnounUS /ˈboʊsən/
an officer responsible for deck crew and equipment
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
CALL
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From this reading A CALL AT HELSINGFORS.
Cantwell
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From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
captainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
conscious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
conversation
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From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
deficiency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
detailsnounUS /ˈdetails/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
earnest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
elected
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From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
examination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
forwardnounUS /forward/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
HELSINGFORS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CALL AT HELSINGFORS.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
officers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
Peaks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
profession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
respect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
seamanship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
shipmatesnounUS /shipmates/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
spare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
studying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
subject
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
thoroughly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
unfitness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
veteran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
weeks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was thoroughly in earnest, but of course it was not possible for any one to master a profession of so many details in a few days, or even a few weeks.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When his shipmates went on shore, he remained on board, because the veteran boatswain was less engaged at these times.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
willing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The new captain was conscious of his deficiency in this respect, and even willing to acknowledge his unfitness for the position to which he had been elected.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Cantwell, since the examination in seamanship, had used every moment of his spare time in studying the books on this subject, and in conversation with Peaks and the other adult forward officers.
