Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
ahead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
aught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
breeze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
calm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
companions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
continuednounUS /ˈcontinued/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
doing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
exert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
faces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
greatly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
herenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
hotter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
idly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
lying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
mast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
neednounUS /need/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
oars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
paddle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
proper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
propose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
protest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
quietly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
scarcely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
search
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
shipmatesnounUS /shipmates/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
sign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
signs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
slightest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
springing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
strike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
suggest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
sweltering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
tellnounUS /tell/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
throw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I therefore suggest that we throw out the oars and paddle quietly ahead upon our proper course.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This calm may last for a week, for aught that we can tell; there is not the slightest sign of a breeze springing up, so far as I can see.
Well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, shipmates," I said, "we shall do ourselves no good by lying here idly sweltering.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading There is no need," I continued, seeing signs of a protest on the faces of my companions, "for us to exert ourselves very greatly; and we can scarcely make ourselves hotter than we are, do what we will.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I propose, therefore, that instead of doing nothing we strike the mast, out oars, and go in search of a wind.
