used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
captain'snounUS /ˈkæptənz/
possessive form of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
Dave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
decksnounUS /deks/
plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
fairweather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
fognounUS /fɑːɡ/
droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
fulfilledadjectiveUS /fʊlˈfɪld/
completed to perfection
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
gamesnounUS /ɡeɪmz/
plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
havennounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
heavingnounUS /ˈhiːvɪŋ/
an upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling)
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
literallyadverbUS /ˈlɪtərəli/
in a literal sense
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
lounged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
engage in
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
come together
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
not any; not one
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
oilskins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
and nothing more
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
pitchedadjectiveUS /pɪtʃt/
(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
policynounUS /ˈpɑːləsi/
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
prophecynounUS /ˈprɒf.ə.si/
A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
railingnounUS /ˈreɪlɪŋ/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
on the contrary
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
reluctantlyadverbUS /rɪˈlʌktəntli/
with reluctance
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
restlesslyadverbUS /ˈrestləsli/
in a restless manner
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
ringingnounUS /ˈrɪŋɪŋ/
the sound of a bell ringing
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
risksnounUS /rɪsks/
plural of “risk” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
skillfuladjectiveUS /ˈskɪlfəl/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
sloopnounUS /sluːp/
a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
SURPRISINGadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/
causing surprise or wonder or amazement
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had hoped to reach the home haven that night, but his policy was to meet disappointment rather than to run risks.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
tossedverbUS /tɔːst/
past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading Late in the day, the storm increased to a gale of some little violence, and the captain decided to make for the nearest harbor.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A SURPRISING ADVENTURE The captain's prophecy was literally fulfilled, and the boys had no opportunity for fairweather games the next day.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Dave retired as usual in rough weather into sullen silence, coming on deck most reluctantly only when his services were demanded by the captain.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
at the time that
From this reading Instead, clad in oilskins, they lounged about the wet decks, watching the captain's skillful handling of the boat, ringing the big fog bell when the atmosphere grew thick, and clinging to the railing when the sloop pitched and tossed restlessly on the heaving sea.
