used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
attainverbUS /əˈteɪn/
to gain with effort
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
balefullyadverb
in a baleful manner
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
bell-buoy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
propose a payment
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
boastverbUS /boʊst/
show off
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
the act of burning something
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
CeylonnounUS /sɪˈlɑːn/
an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
choleranounUS /ˈkɑːlərə/
an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
citadelnounUS /ˈsɪt.ə.del/
A fortress protecting a city, metaphorically representing the invincible inner sanctuary of the rational mind.
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
collisionnounUS /kəˈlɪʒən/
(physics) a brief event in which two or more bodies come together
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/
past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
defectnounUS /ˈdiːfekt/
an imperfection in a bodily system
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
dischargedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/
having lost your job
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
doubtsnounUS /daʊts/
plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
embroilverbUS /emˈbrɔɪl/
force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
fiercenessnoun
the property of being wild or turbulent
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
Galle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
hurricanenounUS /ˈhɜːrəkeɪn/
a severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds moving at 63-136 knots (12 on the Beaufort scale)
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
imperiousadjUS /ɪmˈpɪr.i.əs/
Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. (Hách dịch, độc đoán, kiêu kỳ.)
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
interpretverbUS /ˌɪnˈtɜːrprət/
make sense of; assign a meaning to
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
Loando
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
lovelier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
mail-steamer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
MauritiusnounUS /mɔːˈrɪtiəs/
a parliamentary state on the island of Mauritius
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
misgivingsnounUS /mɪsˈɡɪvɪŋz/
plural of “misgiving” — uneasiness about the fitness of an action
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
used to form the superlative
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
nearnessnoun
the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
information about recent and important events
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
not any; not one
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
pilotverbUS /ˈpaɪlət/
operate an airplane
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
prevalencenounUS /ˈprevələns/
the quality of prevailing generally; being widespread
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
RebellionnounUS /rɪˈbeljən/
refusal to accept some authority or code or convention
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
recedingnounUS /rɪˈsiːdɪŋ/
a slow or gradual disappearance
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
reliableadjectiveUS /rɪˈlaɪəbəl/
worthy of reliance or trust
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
salutedverbUS /səˈluːtɪd/
past form of “salute” — propose a toast to
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
express in words
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
scenerynounUS /ˈsiːnəri/
the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
shoresnounUS /ʃɔːrz/
plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
sublimeadjectiveUS /səˈblaɪm/
inspiring awe
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
except if; if not
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
unquelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading This created, at first, some painful doubts and misgivings; but the belief finally gained ground that so long as the Southern Rebellion remained unquelled the United States would not embroil herself in a foreign war, unless it was forced upon her by the most imperious necessity.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
viedverbUS /vaɪd/
past form of “vie” — compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading We saluted each other, and then learned--what was given to us as reliable news--that war had been declared between America and some other power, but the name of the nation with which our Government had come in collision, our officers, from some defect in the signal, could not interpret.
at the time that
From this reading We had already passed the citadel and bell-buoy, and, having discharged our pilot, were watching the fast receding shores, when we met the English mail-steamer from Point de Galle, in the island of Ceylon.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
witheringadjectiveUS /ˈwɪðərɪŋ/
wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading There is no lovelier spot in the world than Mauritius, nor can any other land boast of mountain scenery more sublime or picturesque; but it seemed to us while we remained there that the heat vied in fierceness with that which we had experienced at Loando, although it was by no means as balefully withering in its influence.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading We were told, however, that the summer heat would not attain its full force until the months of January and February; and this, together with the burning atmosphere, and the alarming nearness of the hurricane season,--to say nothing of the prevalence of the cholera at Port Louis,--inclined us to bid a cheerful farewell to the island.
