Chapter VII · Chapter 7

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

(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 He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

eagerly desirous

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

succeed in representing or expressing something intangible

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

plural of “emergency” — a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

communicated in words

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

an act that fails

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

large flat-headed whalebone whale having deep furrows along the throat; of Atlantic and Pacific

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

planning or plotting in advance of acting

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

small in range or scope

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

engage in

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

not any; not one

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

on one occasion

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK.

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

a stipulated condition

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

discretion in practical affairs

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

bring to an end; settle conclusively

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Having formed his resolve, the captain lost no time in setting about his preliminary arrangements.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

-ing form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Great was the excitement that now prevailed, and the question of an attempt to capture the sea-monster became the ruling theme of conversation.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

a very large person; impressive in size or qualities

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

at the time that

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He could not really conceal from his own mind that the pursuit of a finback was always a matter of some peril, and he was anxious, accordingly, to make every possible provision which forethought could devise against all emergencies.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Weldon expressed considerable doubt as to the prudence of venturing upon so great a risk with such a limited number of hands, but when Captain Hull assured her that he had more than once successfully attacked a whale with a single boat, and that for his part he had no fear of failure, she made no further remonstrance, and appeared quite satisfied.