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 But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
abreast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
always
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From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
ashore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
attempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
bewildering
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From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
bluffadjectiveUS /blʌf/
direct and plain-spoken in manner, sometimes seeming rough
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
brief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
catch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
consciousness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
cove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
cruisenounUS /kruːz/
a journey by sea for a particular purpose
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
decks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
desperately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
dingey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
dispatched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
dull
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
evoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
explain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
gig
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
helplessly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
hurriedly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
husband
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
impossibility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to act
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
informing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
instinct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
intelligence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
moored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
motionless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
nearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
note
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
occupation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
overtake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
pilot-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
pulling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
quickly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
response
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
rocks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
straining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
swift
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
torpor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
trembled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
two-oared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When she saw it, she trembled with the instinct that it brought her intelligence.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She was so lost in this occupation that she did not see that a pilot-boat nearly abreast of the cove had put out a two-oared gig, which was pulling quickly for the rocks.
wild
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her first wild impulse was to run to the cove, for the little dingey always moored there, and to desperately attempt to overtake him.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading But the swift consciousness of its impossibility was followed by a dull, bewildering torpor, that kept her motionless, helplessly following the vessel with straining eyes, as if they could evoke some response from its decks.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She was right; it was a brief note from her husband, informing her that he had been hurriedly dispatched on a short sea cruise; that in order to catch the tide he had not time to go ashore at the bluff, but he would explain everything on his return.
