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The Survivors of the Chancellor
The Survivors of the Chancellor

Chapter XXV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
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TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.
The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.
At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.
The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.
"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Survivors of the Chancellor

Chapter XXV

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.
Line 2
The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.
Line 3
At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.
Line 4
The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.
Line 5
"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.”

Boatswain noun US /ˈboʊsən/

an officer responsible for deck crew and equipment

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.”

Cried noun US /cried/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.”

Everything pronoun US /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.”

Itself pronoun US /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading “The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.”

OVERBOARD adverb US /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/

from a ship into the water

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Sail noun US /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.”

Violent noun US /ˈviolent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.”

Yourselves pronoun US /jʊrˈselvz/

used when the people spoken to are both doing and receiving the action

From this reading “"Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.”

All words in this reading · 132

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

21

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

actual

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

air

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

all

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

Andre

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

arrow

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

assistance

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

away

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

back

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

boatswainnounUS /ˈboʊsən/

an officer responsible for deck crew and equipment

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

carried

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

carry

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

criednounUS /cried/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

crushed

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

Curtis's

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

DECEMBER

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

disruption

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

down

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

dread

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

encounter

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

Falsten

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

fastened

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

few

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

firmly

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

flattened

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

followed

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

fro

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

fury

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

halliards

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

hurricane

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

increasing

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

instantly

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

knocked

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

Lash

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

Letourneur

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

level

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

lowered

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

M

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

mighty

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

moment

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

moments

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

most

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

motions

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

nearly

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

night

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

now

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

oscillations

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

OVERBOARDadverbUS /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/

from a ship into the water

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

peril

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

precipitated

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

pressure

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

probably

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

raft

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

raised

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

reaction

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

ropes

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

rose

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

rushed

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

sailnounUS /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

sailor's

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

SAILORS

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

sea

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

side

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

some

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

soon

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

speed

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

squall

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

strengthened

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

supported

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

swell

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

tent

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

threw

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

tight

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

timely

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

too

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

tossed

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

total

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

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.

TWO

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

up

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

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

utmost

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

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

violentnounUS /ˈviolent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The raft followed the motions of the increasing swell, and was tossed up and down, to and fro, and from side to side with the most violent oscillations.

warning

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

WASHED

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

water

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

waves

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

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading At first the waves had been crushed and flattened as it were by the pressure of the air, but now, as though strengthened by the reaction, they rose with the utmost fury.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The raft itself, however, being so nearly level with the water, had little peril to encounter from the actual wind; but from the mighty waves now raised by the hurricane we had everything to dread.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

yard

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

From this reading TWO SAILORS WASHED OVERBOARD DECEMBER 21, night.--The boatswain rushed to the halliards that supported the sail, and instantly lowered the yard; not a moment too soon, for with the speed of an arrow the squall was upon us, and if it had not been for the sailor's timely warning we must all have been knocked down and probably precipitated into the sea; as it was, our tent on the back of the raft was carried away.

yourselvespronounUS /jʊrˈselvz/

used when the people spoken to are both doing and receiving the action

From this reading "Lash yourselves tight," cried the boatswain, as he threw us some ropes; and in a few moments with Curtis's assistance, M. Letourneur, and Andre, Falsten and myself were fastened so firmly to the raft, that nothing but its total disruption could carry us away.