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The family Robinson Crusoe
The family Robinson Crusoe

Chapter XIX

Chapter 19 of The family Robinson Crusoe is here in full — 109 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Chapter 19 of The family Robinson Crusoe by Johann David Wyss holds 109 sentences, grouped into 22 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 19 of The family Robinson Crusoe contain?

Chapter 19 holds 109 sentences of The family Robinson Crusoe, unabridged, divided into 22 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 19 of The family Robinson Crusoe by Johann David Wyss exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 109 sentences, grouped into 22 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 19 of The family Robinson Crusoe?

Work through the 22 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 22 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 19 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 19 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 The family Robinson Crusoe

Common questions about reading The family Robinson Crusoe by Johann David Wyss on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The family Robinson Crusoe?

Yes. All 5242 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #72813 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The family Robinson Crusoe is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #72813, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The family Robinson Crusoe take to read?

About 436 minutes of reading across 1049 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The family Robinson Crusoe section by section

How to work through The family Robinson Crusoe section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 37 chapters of The family Robinson Crusoe 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 The family Robinson Crusoe

Words and structures a reader meets early in The family Robinson Crusoe, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Ebook
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The family Robinson Crusoe; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Compilation
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Originally
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Published
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The family Robinson Crusoe; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cover illustration for The family Robinson Crusoe
Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.
Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.
I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.
No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.
I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
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/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The family Robinson Crusoe

Chapter XIX

Chapter 19 of The family Robinson Crusoe is here in full — 109 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.
Line 2
Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.
Line 3
I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.
Line 4
No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.
Line 5
I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

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.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.”

Towards preposition US /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading “I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.”

Undertaking noun US /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do

From this reading “_The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “_The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.”

All words in this reading · 119

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 _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

accompanied

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

advanced

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

agreeably

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

appear

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

approach

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

asleep

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

back

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

boat

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

briskly

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

calm

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

consented

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

considerable

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

creature

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

desired

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

distance

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

distinctly

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

earnestly

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

ease

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

entreated

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

examine

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

explanation

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

extraordinary

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

fallen

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

favourable

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

fear

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

floating

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

Fritz

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

gained

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

gave

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

glass

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

habits

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

harnessed

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

humour

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

information

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

jerk

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

large

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

least

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

looking

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

motion

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

necessary

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

now

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

observe

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

observed

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

perceived

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

rapid

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

rate

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

readily

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

sail

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

sea

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

second

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

see

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

sensible

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

singular

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

size

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

softly

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

some

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

soon

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

sooner

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

species

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

steadfastly

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

steer

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

sudden

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

sun

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

surface

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

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

swelled

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

take

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I soon perceived distinctly that it was a tortoise, which, agreeably to the habits of its singular species, had fallen asleep in the sun on the surface of the water, and we observed that it did not in the least appear sensible of our approach.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

then

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

time

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

tortoise

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

turning

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

undertakingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

view

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

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

violent

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

water

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Fritz had been looking steadfastly for some time at something of a large size which was floating at some distance on the water, and he now desired me to take the glass and see what it could be.

wind

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

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.

windlass

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

From this reading I readily consented; but as his back was towards me, and the sail was between us, I did not observe what he was about, till a violent jerk of the boat, a sudden turning of the windlass, and then a second jerk, accompanied by a rapid motion of the boat, gave me the necessary explanation.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading No sooner had Fritz gained this information, than he earnestly entreated me to steer softly within view of so extraordinary a creature, that he might examine it at his ease.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading _The tortoise harnessed._ The wind was in a humour favourable to our undertaking, and briskly swelled our sail; the sea was calm, and we advanced without fear at a considerable rate.