used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
at or in the front
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
antsnounUS /ænts/
plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
ascendverbUS /əˈsend/
travel up
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
bluffnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
bulgedverbUS /bʌldʒd/
past form of “bulge” — swell or protrude outwards
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
a person who is in charge
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
cliffnounUS /klɪf/
a steep high face of rock
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
without stop or interruption
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
crestnounUS /krest/
the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
curvenounUS /kɜːrv/
the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
in a gradual manner
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
narrowedadjectiveUS /ˈneroʊd/
reduced in size as by squeezing together
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
overhangingverbUS /ˈoʊvərhæŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “overhang” — project over
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
a course of conduct
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
precipitousadjectiveUS /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
done with very great haste and without due deliberation
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
renewedadjectiveUS /rɪˈnuːd/
restored to a new condition
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
roundedadjectiveUS /ˈraʊndəd/
curving and somewhat round in shape rather than jagged
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
seeminglyadverbUS /ˈsiːmɪŋli/
from appearances alone
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
shelfnounUS /ʃelf/
A flat horizontal plane used to hold books or scrolls in a library.
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
transport commercially
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
unevenlyadverbUS /əˈniːvənli/
in an uneven and irregular way
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
unlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/
marked by dissimilarity
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
unsupportedadjectiveUS /ənsəˈpɔːrtɪd/
not sustained or maintained by nonmaterial aid
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But the overhanging crest rendered it impossible for us to do more than guess the situation.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
in or at the place that
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Finally we attained a point where the cliff bulged outward in a wide curve, not unlike the rounded bow of a ship, and were compelled to move with renewed caution along the narrowed shelf, which was seemingly unsupported.
wideradjectiveUS /ˈwaɪdər/
comparative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/
marked by repeated turns and bends
From this reading The path continued to ascend, winding unevenly along the precipitous face of the cliff, until we must have climbed nearly to the summit of the mighty bluff.
in the company of; together with
From this reading CHIEF PRIEST OF THE SUN The rock shelf we followed became gradually somewhat wider, so I moved forward with greater freedom.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading We were but ants clinging to a wall and unable to see more than a few yards ahead.
