20
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
23,000
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
5
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
6
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
abnormaladjectiveUS /æbˈnɔːrməl/
not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
From this reading In the degree of somnolence and inertia prevailing I suspected the abnormal.
alertnessnounUS /əˈlɜːrtnəs/
the process of paying close and continuous attention
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
complaintsnounUS /kəmˈpleɪnts/
plural of “complaint” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
recognizable; marked
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading In the degree of somnolence and inertia prevailing I suspected the abnormal.
disappointingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/
not up to expectations
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/
to say again or imitate
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
encouragements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
enviableadjectiveUS /ˈenviəbəl/
causing envy
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
fasteningsnounUS /ˈfæsənɪŋz/
plural of “fastening” — restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
hermeticallyadverbUS /hərˈmetɪkəli/
in an airtight manner
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
inertianounUS /ˌɪˈnɜːrʃə/
a disposition to remain inactive or inert
From this reading In the degree of somnolence and inertia prevailing I suspected the abnormal.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
hear with intention
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
engage in
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
the force of workers available
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
a brief written record
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
plural of “note” — a brief written record
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
portersnounUS /ˈpɔːrtərz/
plural of “porter” — a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
prevailingadjectiveUS /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/
most frequent or common
From this reading In the degree of somnolence and inertia prevailing I suspected the abnormal.
profoundlyadverbUS /proʊˈfaʊndli/
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
recollectionnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
repliesnounUS /rɪˈplaɪz/
plural of “reply” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
responsenounUS /rɪˈspɑːns/
a result
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
rousingadjectiveUS /ˈraʊzɪŋ/
capable of arousing enthusiasm or excitement
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
sealedadjectiveUS /siːld/
established irrevocably
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
shiveringnounUS /ˈʃɪvərɪŋ/
a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
sleeping-bags
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
smallestadjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːləst/
superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
snugnessnoun
a state of warm snug comfort
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
somnolencenounUS /ˈsɑːmnələns/
a very sleepy state
From this reading In the degree of somnolence and inertia prevailing I suspected the abnormal.
in the near future
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
believed likely
From this reading In the degree of somnolence and inertia prevailing I suspected the abnormal.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HIGHEST POINT My first recollection of the morning of May 20 is of shivering outside the porters’ tents.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
untieverbUS /ənˈtaɪ/
undo the ties of
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Soon I began to make out a tale of confused complaints; the porters were not all well.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On this occasion the replies made to my tender inquiries and encouragements were so profoundly disappointing that I decided to untie the fastenings of the tent, which were as nearly as might be hermetically sealed.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
zestnounUS /zest/
vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
From this reading It is not an enviable task at 23,000 feet, this of rousing men from the snugness of their sleeping-bags between 5 and 6 a.m. One may listen in vain for a note of alertness in their response; the heard notes will not echo the smallest zest for any enterprise.
