Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

later than; following

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

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

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

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

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the act of overcoming or outdoing

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

for the reason that

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

possessive form of “cannon” — a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

plural of “catholic” — a member of a Catholic church

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

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

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

English explorer and admiral who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and who helped to defeat the Spanish Armada (1540-1596)

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

inflected form of “dub” — give a nickname to

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

possessive form of “england” — a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

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 They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

plural of “englishman” — a man who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

plural of “factor” — anything that contributes causally to a result

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

plural of “foreigner” — a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

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

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

obtain

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

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

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

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

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

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

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

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

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

communication between individuals

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

for more time

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

of or relating to or venerating the Virgin Mary

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

plural of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

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

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

and nothing more

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

plural of “outlet” — a place of business for retailing goods

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

past form of “persist” — continue to exist

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

a republic in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; Portuguese explorers and colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries created a vast overseas empire (including Brazil)

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

the act of searching for something

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

term of address for a man

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

explained or answered

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

in the near future

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

not in physical motion

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

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

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But the merchants who were the inheritors of centuries of commercial intercourse with England's new enemies were soon to receive a shock that completely changed their minds.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

up to a particular time

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

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

From this reading The Marian opposition to the general policy of England persisted for a few years longer.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading They were themselves one of the strongest factors that made for war in the knotty problem now to be solved at the cannon's mouth because English trade was seeking new outlets in every direction and was beating hard against every door that foreigners shut in its face.

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

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

which person or people

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

in the company of; together with

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading These merchants would not, however, support the war party till they were forced to, as they still hoped to gain by other means what only war could win.

a late time of life

From this reading For three years after Drake had been dubbed Sir Francis by the Queen he was the hero of every class of Englishmen but two: the extreme Roman Catholics, who wanted Mary Queen of Scots, and the merchants who were doing business with Portugal and Spain.