used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
how long something has existed
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
ardentadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdənt/
characterized by intense emotion
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
assumptionnounUS /əˈsʌmpʃən/
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
chatterverbUS /ˈtʃætər/
click repeatedly or uncontrollably
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
corroborateverbUS /kərˈɑːbəreɪt/
establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
customsnounUS /ˈkʌstəmz/
money collected under a tariff
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
wanted intensely
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
divisible by two
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
intenselyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈtensli/
to a high degree; extremely; in high concentration or density
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
the force of workers available
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
not any; not one
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
outlawnounUS /ˈaʊtlɔː/
someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
presumptionnounUS /prɪˈzʌmpʃən/
an assumption that is taken for granted
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
senileadjectiveUS /ˈsiːnaɪl/
mentally or physically infirm with age
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
solveverbUS /sɑːlv/
find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
testimonynounUS /ˈtestəmoʊni/
a solemn statement made under oath
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Smith knew enough of testimony to be aware that this might be no more than a presumption easily capable of being upset.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
a source of difficulty
From this reading THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading But he desired intensely to solve the mystery, and not even the danger and uncertainty of being the guests of people little superior in their habits and customs to men of the Stone Age, could prevent his feeling ardent curiosity.
upsetverbUS /əpˈset/
disturb the balance or stability of
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
which person or people
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The evidence for it would depend on the chatter of a senile old savage, who, in his turn, had obtained it from an outlaw.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading Whether Smith was right or wrong in this assumption of his remained to be seen, and from the vague way in which Big Jack spoke he might never get sufficient evidence to corroborate or upset his theory.
