Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
absorbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
activity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There all was activity.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
anchor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
Attwater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
bass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
beach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
berthnounUS /bɜrθ/
a job or position on a ship
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
boisterous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
busy and excited activity
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
changed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
cities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
contributed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
crashed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
curtain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
directing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
efforts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
emergency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
encouraging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
episode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
events
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
expanse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
Farallone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
farther
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
five
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
floated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
fortnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
gathered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
gusts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
hot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
humming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
interruptednounUS /ˈinterrupted/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
island
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
isolated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
Jack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
joyful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
Kanakas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
knelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
lagoon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
lending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
lively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
lusty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
man's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
midst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
miles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
nearer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
noise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
noon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
note
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
palm-trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
parts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
the main matter or purpose being discussed
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
praying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
ran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
recorded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
risen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
roar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
rocking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
rose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
sand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
schoonernounUS /ˈskuːnər/
a sailing ship with two or more masts
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
settlement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
sharper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
spied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
staff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
stripped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
strongly-blowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
suddennounUS /sudden/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
TAIL-PIECE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
Trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
trousers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
turmoil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
Union
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Attwater, stripped to his trousers, and lending a strong hand of help, was directing and encouraging five Kanakas; from his lively voice, and their more lively efforts, it was to be gathered that some sudden and joyful emergency had set them in this bustle; and the Union Jack floated once more on its staff.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A TAIL-PIECE On a very bright, hot, lusty, strongly-blowing noon, a fortnight after the events recorded, and a month since the curtain rose upon this episode, a man might have been spied praying on the sand by the lagoon beach.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
whistled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
winds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
windwardnounUS /ˈwindward/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A point of palm-trees isolated him from the settlement; and from the place where he knelt, the only work of man's hand that interrupted the expanse was the schooner _Farallone_, her berth quite changed, and rocking at anchor some two miles to windward in the midst of the lagoon.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading The noise of the Trade ran very boisterous in all parts of the island; the nearer palm-trees crashed and whistled in the gusts, those farther off contributed a humming bass like the roar of cities; and yet, to any man less absorbed, there must have risen at times over this turmoil of the winds the sharper note of the human voice from the settlement.
