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 There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
barefooted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
boots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
break
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
cabin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
cap
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From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
catch
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From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
chief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
circle
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From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
companion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
curiosity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
dare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
DirectlynounUS /ˈdirectly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
dived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
downright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
drunk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
eagerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
group
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
halfway
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
horizon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
India-rubber
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
key
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
ladder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
liked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
lock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
main-deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
mate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
meant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
meet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
nayexclamationUS /neɪ/
an old word for “no”
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
OfprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
officers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
poop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
queer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
ran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
shouting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
steward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
theoretically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
touching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He happened to catch sight of me and dived, the second ran down on the main-deck shouting some order or other, and the chief mate came to meet me, touching his cap.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Directly I put my head out of the companion I saw the group of my two officers, the second mate barefooted, the chief mate in long India-rubber boots, near the break of the poop, and the steward halfway down the poop ladder talking to them eagerly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a sort of curiosity in his eye that I did not like.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading I don’t know whether the steward had told them that I was “queer” only, or downright drunk, but I know the man meant to have a good look at me.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Of course, theoretically, I could do what I liked, with no one to say nay to me within the whole circle of the horizon; but to lock my cabin door and take the key away I did not dare.
