1870
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
anew
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
(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 In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
ant's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
antsnounUS /ænts/
plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
the two together, not just one
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
CANTINE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
an occurrence of something
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
colonynounUS /ˈkɑːləni/
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 These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
convulsionnounUS /kənˈvʌlʃən/
a sudden uncontrollable attack
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
spoiled or ruined or demolished
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
disastersnounUS /dɪˈzæstərz/
plural of “disaster” — a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/
plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
having the place or position changed
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
enchantmentnounUS /enˈtʃæntmənt/
a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
imprintedverbUS /ˌɪmˈprɪntɪd/
past form of “imprint” — establish or impress firmly in the mind
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
incautiousadjective
lacking in caution
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
indeliblyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdeləbli/
in an indelible manner
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
indulgingnounUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒɪŋ/
the act of indulging or gratifying a desire
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
insectsnounUS /ˈɪnsekts/
plural of “insect” — small air-breathing arthropod
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
lamentationsnoun
an Old Testament book lamenting the desolation of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC; traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
engage in
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
march in a procession
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/
Recollections of past events.
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
misfortunesnounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
go across or through
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
patrioticadjectiveUS /ˌpeɪtriˈɑːtɪk/
inspired by love for your country
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
processionsnounUS /proʊˈseʃənz/
plural of “procession” — (theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
ProvidencenounUS /ˈprɑː.və.dəns/
The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
recriminationsnounUS /rɪˌkrɪmɪˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “recrimination” — mutual accusations
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
redoubleverbUS /riˈdʌbəl/
double in magnitude, extent, or intensity
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
repairnounUS /rɪˈper/
the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
ruraladjectiveUS /ˈrʊrəl/
living in or characteristic of farming or country life
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
sourcesnounUS /ˈsɔːrsəz/
plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
strollernounUS /ˈstroʊlər/
someone who walks at a leisurely pace
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
supplicateverb
ask humbly (for something)
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
townsnounUS /taʊnz/
plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading _THE CANTINE._ In spite of the recent disasters, life seemed to return as by enchantment, both in the towns and the rural districts.
tracesnounUS /ˈtreɪsəz/
plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
travelledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
familiar with many parts of the world
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
which person or people
From this reading Those who travelled through France during the months of February and March, 1870, might have compared the country to an ant’s nest disturbed by the foot of some incautious stroller.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Although the misfortunes which had nearly cut off all the sources of wealth in France were indelibly imprinted on their memories, a patriotic instinct made its inhabitants redouble their efforts to repair the mighty ruin, without indulging in vain recriminations.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading In all directions every one was setting himself to work again to make up for lost time.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading These wonderful insects do not in such a case waste their time in lamentations, and making processions to supplicate the Providence of the ants: they set to work immediately; and if you pass by next day, the traces of the convulsion that had almost destroyed the colony have disappeared.
