Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

giving an advantage

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

later than; following

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

a busy port and financial center in northern Belgium on the Scheldt river; it has long been a center for the diamond industry and the first stock exchange was opened there in 1460

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “cable” — a telegram sent abroad

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

object formed by a mold

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “craft” — the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

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

From this reading SIGNOR DEODATI.

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

in an energetic manner

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

past form of “exert” — put to use

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

a wide scope

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

the organ of sight

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “flag” — emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

a United States Navy fleet consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “harbinger” — something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

to a considerable degree

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

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

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

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 Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

a vertical spar for supporting sails

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

come into possession of

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

a river that rises in France and flows northeast across Belgium and empties into the North Sea

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

used as an Italian courtesy title; can be prefixed to the name or used separately

From this reading SIGNOR DEODATI.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

not in physical motion

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

lacking natural ease

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

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

From this reading On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvring their vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position.

past form of “vie” — compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

From this reading The crews of the different ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves so energetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strained cables.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

during the time that

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

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

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Many ships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind were approaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on the breeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water was covered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemed to arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.