used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
accomplishmentnounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənt/
the action of accomplishing something
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
(of mail) marked with a destination
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
(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 All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
a youthful male person
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
braverynounUS /ˈbreɪvəri/
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
characteristicsnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪks/
plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
desiresnounUS /dɪˈzaɪərz/
plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
earnestnessnounUS /ˈɜːrnəstnəs/
an earnest and sincere feeling
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
a competitor thought likely to win
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
start firing a weapon
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
a single distinct event
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
inmostadjective
being deepest within the self
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
missionariesnounUS /ˈmɪʃəneriz/
plural of “missionary” — someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
Mou-Setse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
not any; not one
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
on one occasion
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
retortnounUS /ˈriːtɔːrt/
a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
any member of a ship's crew
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
required or under orders
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
precisely as stated
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
nonexistent
From this reading He was by no means, however, wanting in bravery, as a little incident once showed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
(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 It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All his thoughts and all his desires were bent on its accomplishment; but, as I said before, he was reserved, and never spoke of this thought of his inmost heart to human being.
a Caucasian
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
which person or people
From this reading It brought out, however, marked characteristics in his face, and those who knew him well often spoke of the fire and earnestness in his eyes.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mou-Setse grew up to be a man, with a very fixed purpose in his heart.
the words that are spoken
From this reading As a sailor, he was a favourite with the crew and with the captain--that is, he was as great a favourite as any boy with a black skin could be, for it must not be supposed that all white people were as kind to him as the good missionaries; but, on the whole, he was well treated, and no rude words addressed to him on account of his colour brought a retort from his lips.
