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The Survivors of the Chancellor — Diary of J.R. Kazallon
The Survivors of the Chancellor — Diary of J.R. Kazallon

Chapter XXXVI

Cover illustration for The Survivors of the Chancellor — Diary of J.R. Kazallon
Context Illustration Reading 1/7 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.
To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.
The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.
Why do they give themselves such trouble?
Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?
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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 — Diary of J.R. Kazallon

Chapter XXXVI

Reading 1/7 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.
Line 2
To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.
Line 3
The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.
Line 4
Why do they give themselves such trouble?
Line 5
Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

Learner Dictionary

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

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Boatswain noun US /ˈboʊsən/

an officer responsible for deck crew and equipment

From this reading “The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading “To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Inquired noun US /ˈinquired/

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

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.”

Observation noun US /ˈobservation/

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

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “Why do they give themselves such trouble?”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Towards preposition US /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.”

All words in this reading · 101

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

24th

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

allow

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

answer

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

asunder

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

Atlantic

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

boatswainnounUS /ˈboʊsən/

an officer responsible for deck crew and equipment

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

breeze

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

carried

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

currents

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

Curtis

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

decided

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

direction

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

distance

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Why do they give themselves such trouble?

drifted

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

dropped

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

employ

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

energy

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

existence

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

faintest

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

Falsten

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

few

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

frail

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

general

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

give

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

hard

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

heavy

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

idea

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

imagines

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

inquirednounUS /ˈinquired/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

JANUARY

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

joints

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

labours

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

land

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

miserable

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

more

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

observationnounUS /ˈobservation/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

ocean

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

once

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

planks

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

quarter

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

raft

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

raging

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

remains

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

say

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

sea

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

sign

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

strengthening

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Why do they give themselves such trouble?

swell

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

tempest

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

terminate

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

From this reading Why not let the few frail planks part asunder, and allow the ocean to terminate our miserable existence?

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Why do they give themselves such trouble?

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Why do they give themselves such trouble?

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

To-day

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

trouble

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

From this reading Why do they give themselves such trouble?

unable

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

unquestionable

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

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading To-day the breeze has dropped entirely, but the heavy swell is still upon the sea, and is an unquestionable sign that a tempest has been raging at no great distance.

waves

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

From this reading The raft labours hard against the waves, and Curtis, Falsten, and the boatswain, employ the little energy that remains to them in strengthening the joints.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

westwards

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

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.

Why

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

From this reading Why do they give themselves such trouble?

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading JANUARY 24th.--I have inquired more than once of Curtis if he has the faintest idea to what quarter of the Atlantic we have drifted, and each time he has been unable to give me a decided answer, though from his general observation of the direction of the wind and currents he imagines that we have been carried westwards, that is to say, towards the land.