used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
on or to one side
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
KING'SnounUS /kɪŋz/
possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
engage in
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
man-of-warnoun
a warship intended for combat
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
navynounUS /ˈneɪvi/
an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
on one occasion
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
go across or through
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/
denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Tom Stevens came round in the morning.
royaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/
of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
any member of a ship's crew
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
transport commercially
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
smarteradjectiveUS /ˈsmɑːrtər/
comparative of “smart” — showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
StevensnounUS /ˈstiːvənz/
United States psychologist and psychophysicist who proposed Stevens' power law to replace Fechner's law (1906-1973)
From this reading Tom Stevens came round in the morning.
temptingadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
male cat
From this reading Tom Stevens came round in the morning.
trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
activity leading to skilled behavior
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Putting all other things aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always tempting to boys.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He knew that the man-of-war training would make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant service.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It really did not seem to him that, if he entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the royal navy.
a late time of life
From this reading IN THE KING’S SERVICE Before morning came Will had thought the matter over in every light, and concluded that he could not do better than join the navy for a few years.
