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 A CHEQUERED CAREER.
Absence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
affection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
balloons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
beloved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
blowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
bound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
breeze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
canvas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
CAREER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CHEQUERED CAREER.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
CHEQUERED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CHEQUERED CAREER.
comes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
compelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
courtship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
cross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
crucial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
curiously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
discover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
driving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
filling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
fond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
fonder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
gaze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
genuineness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
grow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
heart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
homeward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
kiss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
lengthy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
lonely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
makes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
often
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
pacing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
parts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
periods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
pleasantnounUS /pleasant/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
portions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
pretty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
rapture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
realizing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
rises
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
saying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
shipnounUS /ship/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
spend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
stiff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
supposenounUS /ˈsuppose/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
sweetheart's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
test
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
truth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
trying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading However that may be, it is a crucial test of the genuineness of his affection; and then it is that he has an opportunity of realizing what truth there is in the old saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
worth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How often, when a stiff breeze is blowing, filling the canvas like great balloons, and driving the good ship, homeward bound, for all she is worth, do you think the thought of her he will soon hold in his arms, whose lips he will soon kiss, into whose eyes he will gaze with so fond a rapture, will cross his mind?
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading To a sailor, perhaps the most trying parts of his courtship are the lengthy periods he is compelled to spend away from the presence of his beloved one; and yet, curiously enough, when in later life he comes to look back upon the whole business, he is pretty certain to discover that they were not the least pleasant portions of it.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading How often, when pacing his lonely watch, do you suppose his sweetheart's face rises before him?
