The Old Man and The Sea — Page 12 | Contextual Explanations

You are reading page 12 of 62 from The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Use the contextual explanations to improve your English comprehension.

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Now the man watched the dip of the three sticks over the side of the skiff and rowed gently to keep the lines straight up and down and at their proper depths.

Now: at the present time; at this moment [naʊ]
the man: a male human being [ðə mæn]
watched: looked at attentively over a period of time [wɔʧt]
the dip: the act of briefly going under a surface, here referring to the sticks in the water [ðə dɪp]
of: expressing the relationship between part and whole [əv]
the three sticks: three pieces of wood, likely used as markers or fishing aids [ðə θri stɪks]
over: above or higher than something [ˈoʊvər]
the side: one of the surfaces forming the boundary of an object or area [ðə saɪd]
of: belonging to or associated with [əv]
the skiff: a light rowing boat [ðə skɪf]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
rowed: propelled a boat with oars [roʊd]
gently: in a careful and quiet manner [ˈʤɛntli]
to: expressing motion or direction toward a specific location or purpose [tɪ]
keep: cause to remain in a specified condition, position, etc. [kip]
the lines: cords used in fishing, connecting to hooks or bait [ðə laɪnz]
straight: extending or moving uniformly in one direction without a curve or deviation [streɪt]
up: toward a higher place or position [əp]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
down: toward or in a lower place or position [daʊn]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
their: belonging to or associated with the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified [ðɛr]
proper: appropriate or correct [ˈprɑpər]
depths: the distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something [dɛpθs]

It was quite light and any moment now the sun would rise.

It: referring to the situation or environment [ɪt]
was: past tense of 'is', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
quite: to a considerable extent; rather [kwaɪt]
light: having a sufficient amount of illumination; not dark [laɪt]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
any: one or some indiscriminately of all those specified [ˈɛni]
moment: a very short period of time [ˈmoʊmənt]
now: at the present time; very soon [naʊ]
the sun: the star that provides light and warmth to Earth [ðə sən]
would rise: the sun is expected to appear above the horizon [wʊd raɪz]

The sun rose thinly from the sea and the old man could see the other boats, low on the water and well in toward the shore, spread out across the current.

The sun: the star that provides light and warmth to Earth [ðə sən]
rose: came up above the horizon [roʊz]
thinly: in a sparse or weak manner [ˈθɪnli]
from: indicating the point of origin or source [frəm]
the sea: the expanse of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface [ðə si]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
the old man: an elderly male human being [ðə oʊld mæn]
could see: was able to perceive with his eyes [kʊd si]
the other boats: the remaining watercraft [ðə ˈəðər boʊts]
low: close to the water's surface [loʊ]
on: supported by or suspended from [ɔn]
the water: the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain [ðə ˈwɔtər]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
well: to a great extent or degree; favorably [wɛl]
in toward: moving in the direction of [ɪn təˈwɔrd]
the shore: the land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water [ðə ʃɔr]
spread out: extended over a large area [sprɛd aʊt]
across: from one side to the other of (a place, area, etc. [əˈkrɔs]
the current: a body of water or air moving in a definite direction [ðə ˈkɑrənt]

Then the sun was brighter and the glare came on the water and then, as it rose clear, the flat sea sent it back at his eyes so that it hurt sharply and he rowed without looking into it.

Then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
the sun: the star that provides light and warmth to Earth [ðə sən]
was: past tense of 'is', indicating a state of being [wɑz]
brighter: emitting more light [ˈbraɪtər]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
the glare: harsh, bright light [ðə glɛr]
came: appeared or arrived [keɪm]
on: supported by or suspended from [ɔn]
the water: the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain [ðə ˈwɔtər]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
as: used to indicate that something happens during the time that something else is taking place [ɛz]
it: referring to the sun [ɪt]
rose: came up above the horizon [roʊz]
clear: free from darkness, cloudiness, or blurring; easily seen [klɪr]
the flat sea: the calm, level surface of the ocean [ðə flæt si]
sent: caused to go or be taken to a particular destination [sɛnt]
it: referring to the glare or light [ɪt]
back: to the place or position where someone or something was before [bæk]
at: expressing direction or position [æt]
his eyes: the organs of sight of the old man [hɪz aɪz]
so that: with the result that [soʊ ðət]
it: referring to the glare or light [ɪt]
hurt: caused physical pain or injury [hərt]
sharply: in a sudden and intense way [ˈʃɑrpli]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
he: referring to the old man [hi]
rowed: propelled a boat with oars [roʊd]
without: not having or doing something [wɪˈθaʊt]
looking: the act of directing one's gaze in a specified direction [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
into: expressing movement or direction toward the inside of something [ˈɪntu]
it: referring to the sun [ɪt]

He looked down into the water and watched the lines that went straight down into the dark of the water.

He: referring to the old man [hi]
looked down: directed his gaze downward [lʊkt daʊn]
into: expressing movement or direction toward the inside of something [ˈɪntu]
the water: the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain [ðə ˈwɔtər]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
watched: looked at attentively over a period of time [wɔʧt]
the lines: cords used in fishing, connecting to hooks or bait [ðə laɪnz]
that: used to identify a specific thing or person observed by the speaker [ðət]
went: moved or proceeded [wɛnt]
straight down: directly downward [streɪt daʊn]
into: expressing movement or direction toward the inside of something [ˈɪntu]
the dark: the absence of light [ðə dɑrk]
of: expressing the relationship between part and whole [əv]
the water: the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain [ðə ˈwɔtər]

He kept them straighter than anyone did, so that at each level in the darkness of the stream there would be a bait waiting exactly where he wished it to be for any fish that swam there.

He: referring to the old man [hi]
kept: continued to have or hold [kɛpt]
them: referring to the lines [ðɛm]
straighter: more straight than others [ˈstreɪtər]
than: used to make comparisons [ðən]
anyone: any person [ˈɛniˌwən]
did: past tense of 'do', used as an auxiliary verb [dɪd]
so that: with the result that [soʊ ðət]
at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
each level: every horizontal plane or position [iʧ ˈlɛvəl]
in: expressing location or position within something [ɪn]
the darkness: the absence of light [ðə ˈdɑrknəs]
of: expressing the relationship between part and whole [əv]
the stream: a small, narrow river [ðə strim]
there: in or at that place or position [ðɛr]
would be: future tense of 'be', indicating a state of being [wʊd bi]
a bait: food used to entice fish or other animals into a trap or to take a hook [ə beɪt]
waiting: staying in a place or condition until something happens [ˈweɪtɪŋ]
exactly: in a precise and accurate manner [ɪgˈzæktli]
where: in or to what place or position [wɛr]
he: referring to the old man [hi]
wished: wanted or desired [wɪʃt]
it: referring to the bait [ɪt]
to be: to exist or be located [tɪ bi]
for: indicating the purpose or reason [fər]
any fish: any member of a group of aquatic animals [ˈɛni fɪʃ]
that: used to identify a specific thing or person observed by the speaker [ðət]
swam: moved through water [swæm]
there: in or at that place or position [ðɛr]

Others let them drift with the current and sometimes they were at sixty fathoms when the fishermen thought they were at a hundred.

Others: other people [ˈəðərz]
let: allow [lɛt]
them: referring to the lines [ðɛm]
drift: be carried slowly by air or water [drɪft]
with: accompanied by [wɪθ]
the current: a body of water or air moving in a definite direction [ðə ˈkɑrənt]
and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
sometimes: occasionally, but not always [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz]
they: referring to the lines [ðeɪ]
were: past tense of 'are', indicating a state of being [wər]
at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
sixty fathoms: a unit of length equal to six feet, used especially for measuring the depth of water [ˈsɪksti ˈfæðəmz]
when: at or during the time that [wɪn]
the fishermen: people who catch fish for a living or as a hobby [ðə ˈfɪʃərmɪn]
thought: had an opinion or belief [θɔt]
they: referring to the lines [ðeɪ]
were: past tense of 'are', indicating a state of being [wər]
at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
a hundred: the number 100 [ə ˈhənərd]

But, he thought, I keep them with precision.

But: conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
he: third-person singular masculine pronoun, referring to a male person [hi]
thought: past tense of 'think', indicating a mental process or reflection [θɔt]
I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
keep: to retain possession of; to continue to have [kip]
them: pronoun referring to something previously mentioned, likely the fishing lines or related equipment [ðɛm]
with precision: done accurately and exactly [wɪθ priˈsɪʒən]

Only I have no luck any more.

Only: except that; but [ˈoʊnli]
I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
have: to possess or experience [hæv]
no luck: absence of good fortune or success [noʊ lək]
any more: any longer; from now on [ˈɛni mɔr]

But who knows?

But: conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
who knows: an expression indicating uncertainty or doubt [hu noʊz]

Maybe today.

Maybe: perhaps; possibly [ˈmeɪbi]
today: the current day [təˈdeɪ]

Every day is a new day.

Every day: each day; each 24-hour period [ˈɛvəri deɪ]
is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
a new day: a fresh start; a day with new opportunities [ə nu deɪ]

It is better to be lucky.

It: pronoun referring to the situation or concept being discussed [ɪt]
is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
better: more desirable or advantageous [ˈbɛtər]
to be lucky: to experience good fortune [tɪ bi ˈləki]

But I would rather be exact.

But: conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
would rather: would prefer; would like more [wʊd ˈrəðər]
be exact: to be precise and accurate [bi ɪgˈzækt]

Then when luck comes you are ready.

Then: at that time; after that [ðɛn]
when: at what time; during the time that [wɪn]
luck: good fortune or success [lək]
comes: to arrive or happen [kəmz]
you: second-person singular pronoun, referring to the reader or listener [ju]
are: second-person singular present of 'be' [ər]
ready: prepared; in a suitable state for immediate action or use [ˈrɛdi]

The sun was two hours higher now and it did not hurt his eyes so much to look into the east.

The sun: the star that provides light and heat to Earth [ðə sən]
was: past tense of 'be' [wɑz]
two hours: a period of 120 minutes [tu aʊərz]
higher: at a greater altitude or elevation [haɪər]
now: at the present time [naʊ]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
it: pronoun referring to the sun [ɪt]
did not: past tense negative form of 'do' [dɪd nɑt]
hurt: cause pain or injury to [hərt]
his eyes: the organs of sight belonging to him [hɪz aɪz]
so much: to such a great extent [soʊ məʧ]
to look: to direct one's gaze [tɪ lʊk]
into the east: towards the direction where the sun rises [ˈɪntu ðə ist]

There were only three boats in sight now and they showed very low and far inshore.

There: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
were: past tense plural of 'be' [wər]
only: just; merely [ˈoʊnli]
three boats: three watercrafts [θri boʊts]
in sight: visible; able to be seen [ɪn saɪt]
now: at the present time [naʊ]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
they: pronoun referring to the three boats [ðeɪ]
showed: past tense of 'show', meaning appeared or seemed [ʃoʊd]
very low: close to the water's surface [ˈvɛri loʊ]
and: conjunction used to connect words or clauses [ənd]
far inshore: a long distance towards the land from the sea [fɑr ˈɪnˈʃɔr]

All my life the early sun has hurt my eyes, he thought.

All my life: throughout the entirety of my existence [ɔl maɪ laɪf]
the early sun: the sun when it has just risen [ðə ˈərli sən]
has hurt: present perfect tense of 'hurt', meaning has caused pain [həz hərt]
my eyes: the organs of sight belonging to me [maɪ aɪz]
he thought: a parenthetical phrase indicating the character's internal thought [hi θɔt]

Yet they are still good.

Yet: but; however [jɛt]
they: pronoun referring to 'my eyes' [ðeɪ]
are: present tense of 'be' [ər]
still: even now; continuing to be [stɪl]
good: in satisfactory condition; healthy [gʊd]

In the evening I can look straight into it without getting the blackness.

In the evening: during the later part of the day [ɪn ðə ˈivnɪŋ]
I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
can: to be able to [kən]
look: to direct one's gaze [lʊk]
straight: directly; without deviation [streɪt]
into it: towards the sun [ˈɪntu ɪt]
without: not having or doing something [wɪˈθaʊt]
getting: experiencing or receiving [ˈgɪtɪŋ]
the blackness: a temporary loss of vision or dark spots in the vision [ðə ˈblæknəs]

It has more force in the evening too.

It: pronoun referring to the sun [ɪt]
has: third-person singular present of 'have' [həz]
more force: greater intensity or power [mɔr fɔrs]
in the evening: during the later part of the day [ɪn ðə ˈivnɪŋ]
too: also; in addition [tu]

But in the morning it is painful.

But: conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
in the morning: during the early part of the day [ɪn ðə ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
it: pronoun referring to the sun [ɪt]
is: third-person singular present of 'be' [ɪz]
painful: causing pain [ˈpeɪnfəl]

Just then he saw a man-of-war bird with his long black wings circling in the sky ahead of him.

Just then: at that precise moment; immediately after something else happened [ʤɪst ðɛn]
he: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned [hi]
saw: past tense of 'see'; perceived with the eyes [sɔ]
a man-of-war bird: a type of seabird known for its long wings and ability to soar [ə ~~man-of-war~~ bərd]
with: indicating possession or association [wɪθ]
his: belonging to the man-of-war bird [hɪz]
long: extended in length [lɔŋ]
black: of the color black [blæk]
wings: appendages used for flying [wɪŋz]
circling: moving in a circular path [ˈsərkəlɪŋ]
in: within or surrounded by [ɪn]
the sky: the atmosphere above the earth [ðə skaɪ]
ahead of him: in front of him; in his line of sight [əˈhɛd əv ɪm]