used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
amazedadjectiveUS /əˈmeɪzd/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
CAPTIVITYnounUS /kæpˈtɪvəti/
the state of being imprisoned
From this reading CAPTIVITY.
captureverbUS /ˈkæptʃər/
succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
civilisedadjective
having a high state of culture and development both social and technological
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
converseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
dialectnounUS /ˈdaɪəlekt/
the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
one or the other of two
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
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 Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
divisible by two
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
set up or found
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
GaelicadjectiveUS /ˈɡeɪlɪk/
relating to or characteristic of the Celts
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
a person of German nationality
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
HebrewnounUS /ˈhiːbruː/
the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
inferredverbUS /ˌɪnˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “infer” — reason by deduction; establish by deduction
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
languagesnounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒəz/
plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
LatinadjectiveUS /ˈlætən/
of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
MarsnounUS /mɑːrz/
a small reddish planet that is the 4th from the sun and is periodically visible to the naked eye; minerals rich in iron cover its surface and are responsible for its characteristic color
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
MartialsnounUS /ˈmɑːrʃəlz/
plural of “martial” — Roman poet noted for epigrams (first century BC)
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
masteringnounUS /ˈmæstərɪŋ/
becoming proficient in the use of something; having mastery of
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
as might be expected
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
racesnounUS /ˈreɪsəz/
plural of “race” — any competition
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
smatteringnounUS /ˈsmætərɪŋ/
a small number or amount
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
communicated in words
From this reading As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
precisely as stated
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Curiously enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture, or what the Martials were saying to each other.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But we were amazed to find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short space of time we were able to converse with this new people.
