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 I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
abate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
also
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
anywhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
Brazil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
Cape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
coast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
continually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
counsellor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
de
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
design
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
East
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
Europe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
European
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
fresh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
Gambia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
Guinea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
hopes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
inclined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
Indies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
inhabited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
islands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
meet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
MydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
naked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
negroes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
obliged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
oftener
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
perceive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
perish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
provisions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
pursued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
resolution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
sailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
seek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
Senegal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
shipnounUS /ship/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
ships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
single
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
southward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
sparingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
stop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
twelve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
Verde
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When I had pursued this resolution about ten days longer, as I have said, I began to see that the land was inhabited; and in two or three places, as we sailed by, we saw people stand upon the shore to look at us; we could also perceive they were quite black and naked.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After this stop, we made on to the southward continually for ten or twelve days, living very sparingly on our provisions, which began to abate very much, and going no oftener to the shore than we were obliged to for fresh water.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading My design in this was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, that is to say anywhere about the Cape de Verde, where I was in hopes to meet with some European ship; and if I did not, I knew not what course I had to take, but to seek for the islands, or perish there among the negroes.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I knew that all the ships from Europe, which sailed either to the coast of Guinea or to Brazil, or to the East Indies, made this cape, or those islands; and, in a word, I put the whole of my fortune upon this single point, either that I must meet with some ship or must perish.
Xury
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was once inclined to have gone on shore to them; but Xury was my better counsellor, and said to me, “No go, no go.”
