Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading It sufficiently accounts for the presence of horses in the caravan with which the return journey was made.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

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

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

plural of “camel” — cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

rid of obstructions

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

deep ditch cut by running water (especially after a prolonged downpour)

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

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

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

having no employment

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

harmed

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

past form of “institute” — set up or lay the groundwork for

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

city in central South Africa; center for diamond mining and diamond marketing

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

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 PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

for more time

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

something that is lost

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It sufficiently accounts for the presence of horses in the caravan with which the return journey was made.

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 Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

the force of workers available

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

not able to be found

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

not any; not one

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

and nothing more

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading It sufficiently accounts for the presence of horses in the caravan with which the return journey was made.

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading As it was I daily expected a message asking me to start in search of the missing men, and held myself in readiness accordingly.

superlative of “staunch” — firm and dependable especially in loyalty

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading It sufficiently accounts for the presence of horses in the caravan with which the return journey was made.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

not given to gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

not known

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

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

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

any general reduction in vitality and strength of body and mind resulting from a debilitating chronic disease

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

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

From this reading As time dragged on it became clear that the missing men could no longer be living, and since there were two search parties already in the field, I felt that I was only wasting time by staying longer in idleness.

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

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY Had I known how long our stay in the North was to be, I should have taken the opportunity of further studying the natives and their habits, and should certainly have visited them in their wild homes in the unknown portion of Kimberley.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Our small caravan, now further reduced by the death of Czar--a sad loss, for he was one of my old friends, and one of the staunchest camels I have known (together we had seen many a tough bit of work); he fell down a steep gully at night, poor old beast, and so injured himself that he died almost immediately--was increased by the purchase of three horses, with which I intended to carry out my plan of search; since, however, it was never instituted, I need not explain its nature.