Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Dick Sands, the Boy Captain
Dick Sands, the Boy Captain

Chapter VII

Cover illustration for Dick Sands, the Boy Captain
Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.
Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.
Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.
Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.
He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Dick Sands, the Boy Captain

Chapter VII

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.
Line 2
Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.
Line 3
Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.
Line 4
Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.
Line 5
He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.”

Captain noun US /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.”

Every determiner US /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.”

Hands plural noun US /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading “Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.”

Question noun US /ˈquestion/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.”

All words in this reading · 102

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 Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

accordingly

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

all

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

always

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

ANdeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

anxious

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

appeared

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

arrangements

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

assured

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

ATTACK

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

attacked

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

attempt

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

became

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

boat

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

capture

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

conceal

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

considerable

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

conversation

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

devise

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

doubt

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

emergencies

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

excitement

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

expressed

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

failure

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

fear

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

finback

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

forethought

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

formed

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

further

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

GreatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

handsplural nounUS /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

Hull

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

limited

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

lost

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

made

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

matter

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

more

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

Mrs

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

now

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

number

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

once

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

own

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

peril

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

possible

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

preliminary

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

PREPARATIONS

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

prevailed

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

provision

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

prudence

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

pursuit

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

questionnounUS /ˈquestion/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

really

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

remonstrance

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

resolve

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

risk

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

ruling

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

satisfied

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

sea-monster

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

setting

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

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

single

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

some

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

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

successfully

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

theme

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

venturing

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

Weldon

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

whale

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

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.