used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
move towards
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
camp-fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
cautioningverbUS /ˈkɔːʃənɪŋ/
-ing form of “caution” — warn strongly; put on guard
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
deemedverbUS /diːmd/
past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
without deviation
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
fadeverbUS /feɪd/
become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
the act of giving
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
guidingadjectiveUS /ˈɡaɪdɪŋ/
exerting control or influence
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
Haverland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
someone who hunts game
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
Ina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
injureverbUS /ˈɪndʒər/
cause injuries or bodily harm to
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
the act of departing
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
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 Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
for more time
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
materiallyadverbUS /məˈtɪriəli/
with respect to material aspects
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
not able to be found
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
not any; not one
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
a course of conduct
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
proximitynounUS /prɑːkˈsɪməti/
the property of being close together
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
pursuersnounUS /pərˈsuːərz/
plural of “pursuer” — a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
savagesnounUS /ˈsævədʒəz/
plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
SethnounUS /seθ/
(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
smolderverbUS /ˈsmoʊldər/
burn slowly and without a flame
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
snake-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
stealthilyadverb
in a stealthy manner
From this reading Leaving his rifle in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept stealthily forward.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading So silent and snake-like was his approach, that the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion of his proximity.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
a special situation
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die out, for fear of guiding their enemies.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
at the time that
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
whereaboutsnounUS /ˈwerəbaʊts/
the general location where something is
From this reading Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Now this was the most fortunate thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
