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 When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
active
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
addednounUS /added/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
also
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From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
Andrew
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From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
astronomy
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From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
back
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From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
barge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
busily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
cargo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
circumstances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəl/
spoken privately and not for general knowledge
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
conversation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
delighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
doings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
dozen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
duly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
duties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
Ellen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
employed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
engagement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
immensely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
installed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
instructing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
jointly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
Joshua
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
Joshua's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
kissed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
lovers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
lucky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
master
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
mate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
Merry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
navigation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
nearly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
Old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
opportunities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
opportunity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And he took many other opportunities of instructing Joshua in the duties of mate and master, and also in navigation and astronomy.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
private
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
property
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
rogue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
Sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
shook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
smacked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
superintending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Old Sailor was immensely delighted, and took an active interest in Joshua's doings.
vague
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The "Merry Andrew" was nearly ready for sea again, and Joshua, having been duly installed as third mate, was busily employed superintending cargo.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading When he was told of the engagement between Joshua and Ellen, he smacked Joshua on the back and shook his hand again and again, and kissed Ellen a dozen times, the old rogue! as if he were the lucky man, and Joshua had nothing to do with it.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
worse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He took a private opportunity of entering into a confidential conversation with the young lovers, and told them he had made over his barge and all his little property to Ellen and Joshua jointly, "for better or worse," he added, with a vague idea that those words were necessary in the circumstances of the case.