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 As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
activity
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From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
air
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From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
all
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From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
aloft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
approved
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From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
beginner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
braces
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From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
Burton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
calling
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From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
canvas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
capacity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
carpenter's
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From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
certain
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From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
clapt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
clearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
consideration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
Couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
darkest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
dead-eyenounUS /ˈdɛd aɪ/
a dull or unintelligent person
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
deck
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From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
duties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
engaged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
familiarizing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
forming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
foul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
furling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
gale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
gammoning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
hauling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
hawse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
indispensable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
inferior
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
innumerable
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From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
instance
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From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
intricacies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
knowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
learn
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From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
locksmith's
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From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
loosing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
main-stay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
many
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From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
masters
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From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
matters
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From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
more
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From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
much
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From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
names
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
nautical
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From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
observed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
passing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
principally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
professional
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
reefing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
regular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
reiving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
relaxing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
ropes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
runningnounUS /ˈrunning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
seaman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
seaman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
seizing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
sending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
shoe-block
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
show
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
special
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
strapping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
striking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
style
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
superiority
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
thorough-bred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
top-gallant-mast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
topsails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The business of a thorough-bred sailor is a special calling, as much of a regular trade as a carpenter’s or locksmith’s.
treated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could I have _turned in a dead-eye,_ or in the approved nautical style have _clapt a seizing on the main-stay?_ What did I know of _“passing a gammoning,” “reiving a Burton,” “strapping a shoe-block,” “clearing a foul hawse,”_ and innumerable other intricacies?
vocation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What did I know, for instance, about _striking a top-gallant-mast,_ and sending it down on deck in a gale of wind?
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading As I began to learn my sailor duties, and show activity in running aloft, the men, I observed, treated me with a little more consideration, though not at all relaxing in a certain air of professional superiority.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
yourselfpronounUS /jərˈself/
used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action
From this reading For the mere knowing of the names of the ropes, and familiarizing yourself with their places, so that you can lay hold of them in the darkest night; and the loosing and furling of the canvas, and reefing topsails, and hauling braces; all this, though of course forming an indispensable part of a seaman’s vocation, and the business in which he is principally engaged; yet these are things which a beginner of ordinary capacity soon masters, and which are far inferior to many other matters familiar to an _“able seaman.”_
