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 Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
attract
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
bigness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
binnacle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
bird-cage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
blank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
common
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
compass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
compasses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
constantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
contented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
deserves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
direction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
doors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
drewnounUS /drew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
emigration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
facsimile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
fixed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
fore-finger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
forever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
graphic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
helm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
hinted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
holds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
ice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
inducements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
leaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
learning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
liked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
mention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
mint-juleps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
multiplication
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
Nations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
needle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
north
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
OurdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
panel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
peep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
perched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
plenty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
pointed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
pointing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
points
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
Pole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
precise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
reason
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
reasonsnounUS /ˈreasons/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
sailor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
setting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
ship's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
sliding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
south
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
steer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
studied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
Wealth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
west
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/
in contrast with the fact that
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was a little house, about the bigness of a common bird-cage, with sliding panel doors, and two drawing-rooms within, and constantly perched upon a stand, right in front of the helm.
wonderednounUS /wondered/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I liked to peep in at the binnacle, and watch the needle; and I wondered how it was that it pointed north, rather than south or west; for I do not know that any reason can be given why it points in the precise direction it does.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our binnacle, by the way, the place that holds a ship’s compasses, deserves a word of mention.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One would think, too, that, as since the beginning of the world almost, the tide of emigration has been setting west, the needle would point that way; whereas, it is forever pointing its fixed fore-finger toward the Pole, where there are few inducements to attract a sailor, unless it be plenty of ice for mint-juleps.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Though, for reasons hinted at above, they would not let me steer, I contented myself with learning the compass, a graphic facsimile of which I drew on a blank leaf of the _“Wealth of Nations,”_ and studied it every morning, like the multiplication table.
