abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
arrivingverbUS /ərˈaɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
attackingadjectiveUS /əˈtækɪŋ/
disposed to attack
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
backingnounUS /ˈbækɪŋ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Reporting for duty, I was cordially received by my comrades.
concentrationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsənˈtreɪʃən/
the strength of a solution; number of molecules of a substance in a given volume
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
cordiallyadverbUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading Reporting for duty, I was cordially received by my comrades.
CorporalnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/
a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Reporting for duty, I was cordially received by my comrades.
an opposing military force
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
set up or found
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
hailedverbUS /heɪld/
past form of “hail” — praise vociferously
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
a message received and understood
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
come together
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
quickeradverbUS /ˈkwɪkər/
more quickly
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Reporting for duty, I was cordially received by my comrades.
regimentsnounUS /ˈredʒəmənts/
plural of “regiment” — army unit smaller than a division
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
reinforcedadjectiveUS /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst/
given added strength or support
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
ReportingnounUS /riˈpɔːrtɪŋ/
the news as presented by reporters for newspapers or radio or television
From this reading Reporting for duty, I was cordially received by my comrades.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
express a supposition
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
SutherlandnounUS /ˈsʌðərlənd/
Australian operatic soprano (born in 1926)
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
soldiers collectively
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Upon my return to the front I found that our forces had been reinforced by new regiments.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading American troops, we were told, were arriving in great numbers.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This information was hailed with satisfaction by French soldiers as well as by ourselves; for, while we did not doubt our ability to meet any equal numbers of the enemy, we wanted the backing given by superior numbers on our side; especially as the enemy were attacking from interior lines with the advantage of quicker concentration at the point of attack.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Now, I suppose that we shall lose you?” said Corporal Sutherland.
