Chapter VII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

(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 SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Their seamanship was good enough, but their navigation was of an inferior order.

people who lived in times long past (especially during the historical period before the fall of the Roman Empire in western Europe)

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first sight it certainly is a little strange.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the reason is quite obvious.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading At first sight it certainly is a little strange.

deem to be

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

the act of discovering something

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Their seamanship was good enough, but their navigation was of an inferior order.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first sight it certainly is a little strange.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Their seamanship was good enough, but their navigation was of an inferior order.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

of or characteristic of low rank or importance

From this reading Their seamanship was good enough, but their navigation was of an inferior order.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading At first sight it certainly is a little strange.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

the largest inland sea; between Europe and Africa and Asia

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

not any; not one

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading But the reason is quite obvious.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading Their seamanship was good enough, but their navigation was of an inferior order.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

almost; nearly

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But the reason is quite obvious.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading But the reason is quite obvious.

skill in sailing

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading At first sight it certainly is a little strange.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading At first sight it certainly is a little strange.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their seamanship was good enough, but their navigation was of an inferior order.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading They were content with the limitations of the Mediterranean, and beyond the Gaditan Straits they did not venture.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

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

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

at the time that

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading SEAMANSHIP AND NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE AGES When we consider all the wondrous achievements on the part of the Ancients, when we consider how many centuries they were engaged in maritime matters, it is a matter for some surprise that, with the exception of what was done by the Phœnicians, there was practically no maritime discovery made by them.