Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Survivors of the Chancellor
The Survivors of the Chancellor

Chapter XXVII

Cover illustration for The Survivors of the Chancellor
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.
Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.
Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.
But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.
On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Survivors of the Chancellor

Chapter XXVII

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

Line 1
MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.
Line 2
Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.
Line 3
Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.
Line 4
But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.
Line 5
On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.”

AGAIN noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”

Center noun US /ˈsɛn.tər/

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

Course noun US /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.”

Distant adjective US /ˈdɪstənt/

not friendly or close

From this reading “Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading “Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.”

Observation noun US /ˈobservation/

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

From this reading “Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

Remained noun US /ˈremained/

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

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

Sail noun US /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.”

Toward preposition US /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading “Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.”

Waste noun US /weɪst/

an empty, uncultivated area of land

From this reading “But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.”

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.

1

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

1st

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

From this reading On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.

5

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

abandon

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

addition

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

AGAINnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

all

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

American

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

any

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

approaching

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

biscuit

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

From this reading On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.

borne

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

broke

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

captain's

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

caused

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

Chancellor

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

Charleston

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

cloud

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

coast

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

compass

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

condition

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

coursenounUS /course/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

Curtis

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

day

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

days

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

deceived

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

Desperate

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

determine

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

direct

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

disasters

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

distantadjectiveUS /ˈdɪstənt/

not friendly or close

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

dreary

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

drifting

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

elapsed

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

eyes

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

far

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

farther

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

gray

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

hearts

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

hope

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

hopelessly

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

horizon

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

hour

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

hurricane

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

illusion

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

imagination

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

impossible

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

instruments

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

JANUARY

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

judged

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

land

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.

leftnounUS /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

less

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

line

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

longer

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

many

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

mercy

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

mist

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

months

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

More

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

morsel

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

From this reading On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.

MUTINY

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

now

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

observationnounUS /ˈobservation/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

other

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

out

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

perhaps

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

raft

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

remainednounUS /ˈremained/

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

sailnounUS /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

sea

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

sextant

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

shape

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

sky

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

smashed

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

strained

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

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

swallowed

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

From this reading On the 1st of January, we swallowed our last morsel of biscuit.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

three

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading Desperate, however, as our condition might be judged, hope did not entirely abandon our hearts, and day after day, hour after hour were our eyes strained toward the far horizon, and many and many a time did our imagination shape out the distant land.

twenty

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

united

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

vanished

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

wastenounUS /weɪst/

an empty, uncultivated area of land

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

wave

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

waves

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

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

WhetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Whether we were approaching the American coast, or whether we were drifting farther and farther to sea, it was now impossible to determine, for, in addition to the other disasters caused by the hurricane, the captain's instruments had been hopelessly smashed, and Curtis had no longer any compass by which to direct his course, nor a sextant by which he might make an observation.

wide

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

From this reading But ever and again the illusion vanished; a cloud, a mist, perhaps even a wave, was all that had deceived us; no land, no sail ever broke the gray line that united sea and sky, and our raft remained the center of the wide and dreary waste.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MUTINY AGAIN JANUARY 1 to 5.--More than three months had elapsed since we left Charleston in the Chancellor, and for no less than twenty days had we now been borne along on our raft at the mercy of the wind and waves.