Chapter II

plural of “activity” — any specific behavior

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

(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 THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

an engagement fought between two military forces

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

intentionally conceived

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

command with authority

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

-ing form of “employ” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

render capable or able for some task

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

set up or found

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

plural of “harness” — a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

the quality of being humane

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

repetitive and persistent

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

an occurrence of something

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

plural of “limitation” — a principle that limits the extent of something

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

the property of having a relatively small size

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

comparative of “mighty” — having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

not any; not one

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

win a victory over

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

plural of “tide” — the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Conscious of his own limitations and his own littleness, man has nevertheless throughout the ages striven hard to overcome these forces and to exercise his own freedom.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The statement was as true in pre-Dynastic times as it is to-day.

plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE BIRTH OF THE NAUTICAL ARTS Of all the activities of human nature few are so interesting and so insistent on our sympathy as the eternal combat which goes on between man on the one side and the forces of Nature on the other.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But he has done this not so much by direct opposition as by employing Nature to overcome Nature; and there can be no better instance of this than is found in the art of tacking, whereby the mariner harnesses the wind in order to enable him to go against the wind.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Winds and tides and waves are mightier than all the strength of humanity put together.