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Midshipman Merrill
Midshipman Merrill

Chapter XX · A Secret Friend

Cover illustration for Midshipman Merrill
Context Illustration Reading 1/15 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.
It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.
In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.
At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.
“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Midshipman Merrill

Chapter XX · A Secret Friend

Reading 1/15 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.
Line 2
It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.
Line 3
In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.
Line 4
At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.
Line 5
“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

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 “In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.”

Above preposition US /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading “It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.”

Academy noun US /əˈkæd.ə.mi/

A place of study or training in a special field of knowledge and arts.

From this reading “The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.”

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading “It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.”

Length noun US /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading “At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ““You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ““You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.”

Silence noun US /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading “In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.”

All words in this reading · 126

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 It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

able

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

academynounUS /əˈkæd.ə.mi/

A place of study or training in a special field of knowledge and arts.

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

all

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

annoying

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

appointment

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

became

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

Bemis

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

can't

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

chum

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

citizen

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

Clemmons

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

coast

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

cold

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

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

confident

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

counted

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

crowd

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

day

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

demerits

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

denials

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

detrimental

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

devoted

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

ear

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

ears

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

fisherman

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

frequent

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

friends

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

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

going

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

greetings

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

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

grew

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

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

hearing

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

hero

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

home

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

how

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

knew

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

leaked

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

lengthnounUS /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

making

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

many

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

Mark

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

matters

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

Merrill

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

more

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

most

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

naval

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

number

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

often

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

oftener

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

out

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From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

Perry

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From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

persecutions

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

persecutors

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

persistent

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From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

petty

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From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

popularity

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From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

position

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From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

purse

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From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

reached

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

referring

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From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

rumors

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

said

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

sailor

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From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

school

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

Scott

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

silk

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

some

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From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

sow's

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

speaking

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

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

station

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

stay

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

suffered

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

there

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

tough

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

truth

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

unknown

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

unpleasantly

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

From this reading In truth there were a number of rumors about the academy detrimental to our young hero, and though they reached his ears, often most unpleasantly from hearing them himself, oftener from having them told him by his devoted chum, Bemis Perry, he suffered in silence, making no denials.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It had leaked out that Mark Merrill had been a tough citizen at home, and was nothing more than a coast fisherman, until brought into a position above his station by an appointment to the naval school.

waver

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

From this reading At length some who had been his friends grew cold in their greetings of him, and his popularity began to waver.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

year

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” said Scott Clemmons, one day, in speaking of Mark in a crowd, who had been referring to his many demerits.

young

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

From this reading The petty persecutions of Mark Merrill became so persistent, so annoying, and so frequent that those who knew how matters were going became confident that, as they all counted against the young sailor and not against unknown persecutors, he would not be able to stay his year out at the academy.