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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
addressing
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From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
all
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
ambiguous
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
associates
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From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
augment
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From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
Billy
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
breed
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
canine
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
caused
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
Couched
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From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
disturbance
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From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
dog
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
dubiety
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From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
dumb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
effect
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From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
elucidation
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
especially
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From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
evident
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
expressiveness
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
generous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
gesture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
intelligence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
interrogative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
involving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
lateral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
marked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
matter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
mean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
meaning
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From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
mental
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From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
difficult to explain or understand
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
NobodypronounUS /ˈnoʊbɑːdiː/
no person; not anyone
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
NorconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
officers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
prejudgment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
previous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
previously
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From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
remains
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From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
seeking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It served to augment a mental disturbance previously evident enough.
shed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
ship's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
significance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
soldier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
speaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
speaker's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
spoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
suggestive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
three
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From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
tone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
unanticipated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Couched in it seemed to them a meaning unanticipated, involving a prejudgment on the speaker’s part.
unlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
utterance
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From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
Vere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The soldier once more spoke, in a tone of suggestive dubiety addressing at once his associates and Captain Vere: ‘Nobody is present--none of the ship’s company, I mean, who might shed lateral light, if any is to be had, upon what remains mysterious in this matter.’
wistful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This utterance, the full significance of which it was not at all likely that Billy took in, nevertheless caused him to turn a wistful, interrogative look toward the speaker, a look in its dumb expressiveness not unlike that which a dog of generous breed might turn upon his master, seeking in his face some elucidation of a previous gesture ambiguous to the canine intelligence.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Nor was the same utterance without marked effect upon the three officers, more especially the soldier.
