used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
Abner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
Agalegas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
how long something has existed
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
any person at all
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
autocratnounUS /ˈɔːtəkræt/
a cruel and oppressive dictator
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
blacksmithnounUS /ˈblæksmɪθ/
a smith who forges and shapes iron with a hammer and anvil
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
cherishesverbUS /ˈtʃerɪʃɪz/
third-person singular of “cherish” — be fond of; be attached to
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
contractverbUS /ˈkɑːntrækt/
enter into a contractual arrangement
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
declineverbUS /dɪˈklaɪn/
grow worse
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
dislikenounUS /dɪˈslaɪk/
an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
to an extreme degree
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
plural of “feel” — an intuitive awareness
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
grudgenounUS /ɡrʌdʒ/
a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
an informal term for a youth or man
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
Guy'snounUS /ɡaɪz/
possessive form of “guy” — an informal term for a youth or man
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
indefensibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈfensəbəl/
(of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
have in mind as a purpose
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
interposeverbUS /ˌɪntərˈpoʊz/
be or come between
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
immediately past
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
libertiesnounUS /ˈlɪbərtiːz/
plural of “liberty” — immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
engage in
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
obstaclenounUS /ˈɑːbstəkəl/
something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
many times at short intervals
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
pretextnounUS /ˈpriːtekst/
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
RichmondnounUS /ˈrɪtʃmənd/
capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
rightfuladjectiveUS /ˈraɪtfəl/
legally valid
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
risenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪzən/
(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
seamannounUS /ˈsiːmən/
a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
in the near future
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
Titcomb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
transcendsverbUS /trænˈsendz/
third-person singular of “transcend” — be greater in scope or size than some standard
From this reading A captain at sea is such an autocrat that he often takes indefensible liberties, and transcends his rightful authority.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading It soon became evident, however, that whatever opinion he might have of Guy’s enterprise, he didn’t intend to interpose any obstacle to his visit to the islands.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He can make things exceedingly uncomfortable for anyone for whom he feels a dislike or cherishes a grudge.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading THE ISLAND AT LAST Guy was not without fears that Captain Richmond would, on some pretext, decline to carry out his contract, and refuse to visit the Agalegas Islands.
a late time of life
From this reading Abner Titcomb, though for the last ten years a blacksmith, was from the age of twenty to thirty years a seaman, and had risen to be a first mate.
