Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

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

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

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

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

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

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading His companion in the pilot-house did not seem to care what he did.

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading His companion in the pilot-house did not seem to care what he did.

properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

deem to be

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

the act of departing

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

having a heading or course in a certain direction

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

the person who steers a ship

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

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

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

cause to arise

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

-ing form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

a particular point in time

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

and nothing more

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

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

From this reading His companion in the pilot-house did not seem to care what he did.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

someone who guards prisoners

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading His companion in the pilot-house did not seem to care what he did.

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

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

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

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

in the direction of

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

pull hard

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading The Bellevite, as the new captain had observed before, had stopped her screw: and she appeared to be waiting for the tug to come up, as it was headed towards her.

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

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading His companion in the pilot-house did not seem to care what he did.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading THE PROCEEDINGS ON THE LOWER DECK Christy Passford did not consider Percy Pierson a competent helmsman, for he had spent but a few minutes in instructing him in handling the wheel; in fact, only long enough to induce him to "steer small."

in or at the place that

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

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

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading For the moment, Percy was interested in the occupation, and gave his whole mind to it; and Christy intended to remain where he could reach the wheel in a moment if occasion should require.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Christy had examined her with the glass, but he could see nothing which gave him any idea of what was going on upon her decks.