used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
highly skilled
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
(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 Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
AmbernounUS /ˈæmbər/
a deep yellow color
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
Balcomie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
book-learning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
the two together, not just one
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
broadswordnounUS /ˈbrɔːdsɔːrd/
a sword with a broad blade and (usually) two cutting edges; used to cut rather than stab
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
divisible by two
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
at any time
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
favoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
set up or found
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
instructiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌktɪv/
serving to instruct or enlighten or inform
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
LancelotnounUS /ˈlænsəlɑːt/
(Arthurian legend) one of the knights of the Round Table; friend of King Arthur until (according to some versions of the legend) he became the lover of Arthur's wife Guinevere
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
engage in
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
pickingnounUS /ˈpɪkɪŋ/
the quantity of a crop that is harvested
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
practiseverbUS /ˈpræktɪs/
engage in a rehearsal
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
promisingadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːməsɪŋ/
showing possibility of achievement or excellence
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
pupilnounUS /ˈpjuːpəl/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
term of address for a man
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
swordsmannoun
someone skilled at fencing
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading I was ever apt at picking up all things wherein strength and skill counted for more than book-learning, and I am glad to think that they found me an apt pupil.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
the act of using
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
which person or people
From this reading For the Captain, who was an accomplished swordsman, and Lancelot, who was a promising pupil, were at great pains to teach me the use both of the small sword and the broadsword, at which they exercised me daily upon the deck.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Indeed, I learnt more during those happy weeks of matters that are proper for a man to know than I had even guessed at in the whole course of my life.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE SEA LIFE The fair weather with which we were favoured during the early part of our voyage made the time very delightful and very instructive to me.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Captain Amber had a great regard for Sir William Hope of Balcomie's book, wherein I made my daily study, and he or Lancelot would make me practise all that I read.
