Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

side by side

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

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

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

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

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

carefully weighed

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

argue or speak in defense of

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

English explorer and admiral who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and who helped to defeat the Spanish Armada (1540-1596)

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

rules governing socially acceptable behavior

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

divisible by two

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

set up or found

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

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

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

easy to reach

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

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

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

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

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

plural of “indie” — a pop group not affiliated with a major record company

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

past form of “institute” — set up or lay the groundwork for

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

immediately past

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

past form of “near” — move towards

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

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

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

not any; not one

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

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

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

determined

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

plural of “rowboat” — a small boat of shallow draft with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

in the near future

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

not in physical motion

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

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

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

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

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

very small

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading As they neared the ships the two boats separated, and Ned soon found himself alongside of the Swanne.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A ladder hung at her side, and up this Ned followed his captain; for in those days the strict etiquette that the highest goes last had not been instituted.

plural of “voyage” — an act of traveling by water

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

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

From this reading Still, even so, it was but a tiny craft to cross the Atlantic, and former voyages had been generally made in larger ships.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

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

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Mr. Francis Drake, however, knew what he was about.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He considered that large ships required large crews to be left behind to defend them, that they drew more water, and were less handy; and he resolved, in this expedition, he would do no small part of his work with pinnaces and rowboats; and of these he had three fine craft, now lying in pieces in his hold, ready to fit together on arriving in the Indies.