used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
(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 If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
eagerly desirous
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
ARTauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
on or to one side
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
benefitedverbUS /ˈbenəfɪtɪd/
past form of “benefit” — derive a benefit from
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
BenjaminnounUS /ˈbendʒəmən/
gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
without deviation
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
discernverbUS /dɪˈsɜːrn/
detect with the senses
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
move gently or carefully
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
elapsedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæpst/
(of time) having passed or slipped by
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
a social unit living together
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
FranklinnounUS /ˈfræŋklɪn/
United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
FultonnounUS /ˈfʊltən/
American inventor who designed the first commercially successful steamboat and the first steam warship (1765-1815)
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
depressingly dark
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
grandeurnounUS /ɡrænˈduːr/
the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
of great significance or value
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
introductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/
the act of beginning something new
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
journeyedverbUS /ˈdʒɜːrnid/
past form of “journey” — undertake a journey or trip
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
come together
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/
the work of a sailor
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
self-confidencenounUS /ˌselfˈkɑːnfədəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
transport commercially
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
shipboardadjectiveUS /ˈʃɪpbɔːrd/
casual or ephemeral as if taking place on board a ship
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
in the near future
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
STUDYINGnounUS /ˈstʌdiɪŋ/
reading carefully with intent to remember
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
sufficedverbUS /səˈfaɪst/
past form of “suffice” — be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
surpassedverbUS /sərˈpæst/
past form of “surpass” — distinguish oneself
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
thirstingverbUS /ˈθɜːrstɪŋ/
-ing form of “thirst” — feel the need to drink
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading If anxious about the new venture, or lonely for the family he had left behind, he pushed aside all gloomy thoughts and made ready to meet the new conditions of a strange land.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading STUDYING ART IN ENGLAND A voyage to England in a sailing ship took time; probably six weeks at least elapsed before Robert Fulton could discern the long gray coast line of “Mother England.”
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
West'snounUS /wests/
possessive form of “west” — the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
at the time that
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He journeyed directly to London to present to Benjamin West the important letter of introduction which he carried from Dr. Franklin.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The strong sea air and the long rest on shipboard had benefited his health, and he was thirsting to get to work as soon as possible.
but in spite of that
From this reading His ease of manner and self-confidence had sufficed for the experiences of Philadelphia, yet it is reasonable to assume that his heart beat fast when he finally stood, letter in hand, at the imposing doorway of Benjamin West’s fine house, for it surpassed his expectation of grandeur.
