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 Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
afraid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
ahead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
alternative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
alternatives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
Amphitrite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
Archie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
bay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
beach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
beat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
beloved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
billows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
bits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
blowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
blue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
challenge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
coast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
dancing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
elements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
gale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
harbour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
harm's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
hauling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
Italian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
lose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
mile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
optimism
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
perched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
picture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
pounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
precariously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
preferable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
red-sailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
rocky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
rollers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
sandy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
Silorno
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
smothered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
spray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
straight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
summer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
sunlit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
swamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
tack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
tumble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
Una-rigged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
violence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
wonderednounUS /wondered/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.
wondering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.
