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 Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
AEgeus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
base
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
bawbles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
bear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
behold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
blackness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
bound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
clambered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
cliff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
colored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
concluded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
crown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
dancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
dear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
drowned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
eaten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
enjoined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
fatal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
felt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
flinging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
foamed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
folks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
forgot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
forwardnounUS /forward/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
headlong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
hoist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
homeward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
infirm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
joy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
King
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
loved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
mariners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
merely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
merriment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
Minotaur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
ones
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
overcome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
overhung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
poornounUS /poor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
Prince
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
proud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
rainbow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
raven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/
To recall to mind.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
return
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
returnednounUS /ˈreturned/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
sable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
sails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
sceptre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
sooner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
soul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
sports
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
stooped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
success
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
summit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
sunshine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
Theseus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
Thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
unfortunately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
useless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
victorious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
wafted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
watching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
waves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not bear the thought of living any longer; so, first flinging his crown and sceptre into the sea, (useless bawbles that they were to him now!) King AEgeus merely stooped forward, and fell headlong over the cliff, and was drowned, poor soul, in the waves that foamed at its base!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But poor King AEgeus, day after day, infirm as he was, had clambered to the summit of a cliff that overhung the sea, and there sat watching for Prince Theseus, homeward bound; and no sooner did he behold the fatal blackness of the sails, than he concluded that his dear son, whom he loved so much, and felt so proud of, had been eaten by the Minotaur.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
wings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus the vessel returned, like a raven, with the same sable wings that had wafted her away.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
wore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
YoupronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You will remember (what Theseus unfortunately forgot) that his father, King AEgeus, had enjoined it upon him to hoist sunshine sails, instead of black ones, in case he should overcome the Minotaur, and return victorious.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the joy of their success, however, and amidst the sports, dancing, and other merriment, with which these young folks wore away the time, they never once thought whether their sails were black, white, or rainbow colored, and, indeed, left it entirely to the mariners whether they had any sails at all.
