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 "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I really believe you are right, Murdock," said I.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
Ay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading "I really believe you are right, Murdock," said I.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
canoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
certainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
crest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
crouching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
detected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/
having firmly decided to do something
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
drifting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
figure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
freshening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
glimpse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
greatly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
hovering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
impression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
investigate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
momentary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
MoreoveradverbUS /mɔːˈroʊvər/
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
Murdock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
persons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
possibly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
presented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
Presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I really believe you are right, Murdock," said I.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "I really believe you are right, Murdock," said I.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
sank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
south-west
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
strengthened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
Trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Moreover, although the glimpse I had caught had been but momentary, I thought I had detected the appearance of what might very well be a crouching human figure sitting in her.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "Ay, I do," said I, as I caught a momentary glimpse of a small dark object which appeared for a moment, hovering on the crest of a sea, and then sank out of sight again.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And, as Murdock had said, it certainly presented very much the appearance of a small boat drifting slowly away toward the south-west before the freshening Trade wind.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Presently I got another sight of the thing, and my impression that it was indeed a boat--or possibly a canoe--with one or more persons in her was so greatly strengthened that I determined there and then to investigate.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I really believe you are right, Murdock," said I.
