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 Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
accustomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
allowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
Altrurian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
Altrurians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
ashore
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From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
attempt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
beach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
begging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
boats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
Camp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
campers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
catch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
commons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
condition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
cook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
cooked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
country
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
crabs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
crewnounUS /crew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
dietnounUS /ˈdiet/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
drink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
Famine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
fed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
fields
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
fires
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
fumes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
giving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
grew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
helped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
insistedverbUS /ɪnˈsɪstɪd/
demanded something firmly
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
knives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
meat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
offend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
offshore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
owners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
perfectly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
pieces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
preferred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
provisions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
quarries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
resigned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
revolvers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
roasting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
sailors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
sand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
satisfied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
secure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
shell-fish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
sheltered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
shorter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
swarmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
tent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
thieving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
threatened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
UntilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
useful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
useless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
villagers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
Voluntaries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As the short commons grew shorter and shorter, both meat and drink, at Camp Famine, and the campers found it was useless to attempt thieving from the Altrurians, they had tried begging from the owners in their large tent, but they were told that the provisions were giving out there, too, and there was nothing for them.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
whereverconjunctionUS /weˈrevər/
in or to any place at all
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Until they became accustomed or resigned to the Altrurian diet, they were allowed to catch shell-fish and the crabs that swarmed along the sand and cook them, but on condition that they built their fires on the beach, and cooked only during an offshore wind, so that the fumes of the roasting should not offend the villagers.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading When they insisted the servants of the owners had threatened them with revolvers, and the sailors, who had nothing but their knives, preferred to attempt living on the country.
WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
woods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within a week the whole crew had been put to work in the woods and fields and quarries, or wherever they could make themselves useful.
wreckage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
yacht's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, on the whole, so well fed and sheltered that they were perfectly satisfied, and went down with the Altrurians on the beach during the Voluntaries and helped secure the yacht's boats and pieces of wreckage that came ashore.
