used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
adroitadjectiveUS /əˈdrɔɪt/
quick or skillful or adept in action or thought
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
basisnounUS /ˈbeɪsəs/
a relation that provides the foundation for something
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
beamnounUS /biːm/
a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
controllingadjectiveUS /kənˈtroʊlɪŋ/
able to control or determine policy
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
desiresnounUS /dɪˈzaɪərz/
plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
put on clothes
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
formed or conceived by the imagination
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
set up or found
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
a young female
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
impulsesnounUS /ˈɪmpəlsɪz/
plural of “impulse” — an instinctive motive
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
the sound of laughing
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
loughnounUS /laʊ/
a long narrow (nearly landlocked) cove in Ireland
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
marineadjectiveUS /mərˈiːn/
of or relating to the sea
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
midship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
oarnounUS /ɔːr/
an implement used to propel or steer a boat
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
onwardsadverbUS /ˈɑːnwərdz/
in a forward direction
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
propellernounUS /prəˈpelər/
a mechanical device that rotates to push against air or water
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
propulsionnounUS /prəˈpʌlʃən/
a propelling force
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
with speed
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
scientificadjectiveUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/
of or relating to the practice of science
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He found that he was more adroit at the science of marine propulsion than he had fancied he was.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The boat was making quite too rapid progress for his desires, across the lough.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
precisely as stated
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
which person or people
From this reading This may have suggested itself to the girl who was seated on the midship beam; but if she was inclined to laugh, she succeeded in controlling her impulses.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He asked the girl if she did not think it well that she should become acquainted with at least the scientific principle which formed the basis of the marine propeller.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading A BOAT being urged onwards--not very rapidly--by a single oar resting in a hollow in the centre of the stern, and worked from side to side by a man in evening dress, is not a sight of daily occurrence.
