used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
abruptadjectiveUS /əˈbrʌpt/
marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
(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 It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
AmericansnounUS /əˈmerəkənz/
plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
for the reason that
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
brought into existence
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
Braddock's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
capitalsnounUS /ˈkæpətəlz/
plural of “capital” — assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
colonialadjectiveUS /kəˈloʊniəl/
of or relating to or characteristic of or inhabiting a colony
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
ColonistsnounUS /ˈkɑːlənɪsts/
plural of “colonist” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
defeatnounUS /dɪˈfiːt/
an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
defendersnounUS /dɪˈfendərz/
plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
being one more than ten
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
epoch-makingadjective
highly significant or important especially bringing about or marking the beginning of a new development or era
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
exposedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspoʊzd/
with no protection or shield
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
frontiernounUS /frənˈtɪr/
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
impressiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪv/
making a strong or vivid impression
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
MarshallnounUS /ˈmɑːrʃəl/
United States actor (1914-1998)
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
provincialadjectiveUS /prəˈvɪnʃəl/
of or associated with a province
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
red-coatedadjective
used of British soldiers during the American Revolutionary War because of their red coats
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
revelationnounUS /ˌrevəˈleɪʃən/
the speech act of making something evident
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
seednounUS /siːd/
a small hard fruit
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
sowedverbUS /saʊd/
past form of “sow” — place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
unconquerableadjective
not capable of being conquered or vanquished or overcome
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading From colonial mansion to log cabin, from the provincial capitals to the mean and exposed frontier settlements, Braddock’s defeat sowed the seed of the idea that Americans must depend upon themselves.
VirginianounUS /vərˈdʒɪnjə/
a state in the eastern United States; one of the original 13 colonies; one of the Confederate States in the American Civil War
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
warriorsnounUS /ˈwɔːriərz/
plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thus it was that the American Colonists suddenly came to think, that they themselves must be their own defenders.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was a revelation, all the more impressive because it was so abrupt, unexpected, and dramatic, that the red-coated professional soldiers were not the unconquerable warriors, the Colonists had been told that they were.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He was born in a little log cabin in what is now a part of Virginia, eleven weeks after Braddock’s defeat.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Close upon the heels of this epoch-making event, John Marshall came into the world.
