Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

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

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

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

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

plural of “cataract” — an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

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

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

marked by rude or peremptory shortness

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

past form of “damp” — deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

inspired with confidence

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

a feeling of excitement

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

having a flat bottom

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

in a free manner

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

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

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

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

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

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

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

Scottish philosopher skeptical philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses (1711-1776)

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

someone who hunts game

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

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

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

hear with intention

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

plural of “mistake” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

on one occasion

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

under normal conditions

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

Identical; not different.

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

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

From this reading He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

get rid of

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

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

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

plural of “specification” — a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "I read once about a 'sneak-box'--a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin."

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

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

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

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

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

at the time that

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.

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

From this reading Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.