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Sea Mew Abbey
Sea Mew Abbey

Chapter XXIV

Chapter 24 of Sea Mew Abbey is here in full — 88 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Chapter 24 of Sea Mew Abbey by Florence Warden holds 88 sentences, grouped into 18 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 24 of Sea Mew Abbey contain?

Chapter 24 holds 88 sentences of Sea Mew Abbey, unabridged, divided into 18 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 24 of Sea Mew Abbey by Florence Warden exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 88 sentences, grouped into 18 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 24 of Sea Mew Abbey?

Work through the 18 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 18 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 24 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 24 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Sea Mew Abbey

Common questions about reading Sea Mew Abbey by Florence Warden on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sea Mew Abbey?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sea Mew Abbey is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sea Mew Abbey take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sea Mew Abbey section by section

How to work through Sea Mew Abbey section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of Sea Mew Abbey to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Sea Mew Abbey

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sea Mew Abbey, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of Sea Mew Abbey, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of Sea Mew Abbey, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of Sea Mew Abbey, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Cover illustration for Sea Mew Abbey
Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.
With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.
Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.
The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.
At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sea Mew Abbey

Chapter XXIV

Chapter 24 of Sea Mew Abbey is here in full — 88 sentences across 18 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.
Line 2
With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.
Line 3
Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.
Line 4
The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.
Line 5
At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Although conjunction US /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.”

Below preposition US /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading “With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.”

Lest conjunction US /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading “The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.”

All words in this reading · 116

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 At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

accompaniment

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

advancing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

air

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

alarm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

alarmed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

almost

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

attack

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

beating

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

bird's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

birds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

caused

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

circled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

cleft

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

clung

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

companions

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

cry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

daring

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

descend

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

dreaded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

fanned

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

feet

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

felt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

few

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

first

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

flew

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

flock

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

folding

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

Freda

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

girl

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

great

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

grey-white

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

grip

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

heard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

host

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

journey

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

keeping

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

ladder

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

last

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

lestconjunctionUS /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

long

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

lose

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

lower

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

lugubrious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

made

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

melancholy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

mournful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

never

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

past

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

proceed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

reached

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

rock

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From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

rocks

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From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

rope

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From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

ropes

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From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

rush

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From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

sea

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

sea-bird's

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From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

sea-gull

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From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

settled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

shock

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

shrill

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From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

single

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From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

sounded

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From this reading Although she had heard the shrill sea-bird’s cry before, it had never sounded so lugubrious as now.

startled

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From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

step

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From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

still

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From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

sudden

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From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

sustained

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From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

taken

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

then

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

tide

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

touching

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

tremblingly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The beating of the advancing tide on the rocks below made a mournful accompaniment to the bird’s wailing; and Freda, startled and alarmed, clung tremblingly to the ladder, not daring to descend a single step, as she felt the rush of air fanned by their long wings, and dreaded lest the great birds should attack her.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

venture

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

wailing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

warning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

water

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last, one by one, they circled lower and lower, until they reached the sea, and, folding their wings, settled in a flock upon the water: not till then did the girl venture to proceed on her journey.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading At the very first step she made on the rope ladder, Freda sustained a sudden shock which almost caused her to lose her grip of the ropes.

wild

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

wings

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.

WithprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading With a wild, wailing cry, a great sea-gull flew out from a cleft in the rock a few feet from her, and almost touching her with its long grey-white wings, flew past her and circled in the air below, still keeping up its melancholy cry of alarm or warning, which was taken up by a host of its companions.