used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
the state of being absent
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
absentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/
not being in a specified place
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
accompanyverbUS /əˈkʌmpəni/
be present or associated with an event or entity
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
commotionnounUS /kəˈmoʊʃən/
a disorderly outburst or tumult
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
conversingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
an old word for “before”
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
evasivelyadverb
with evasion; in an evasive manner
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading FRANCE, FAREWELL!
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading FRANCE, FAREWELL!
the act of departing
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
the head of a state government
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
past form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
of the present time and place
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
intrusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
islenounUS /aɪl/
a small island
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
owning or consisting of land or real estate
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
the act of departing
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
mainlandnounUS /ˈmeɪnlænd/
the main land mass of a country or continent; as distinguished from an island or peninsula
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
MargueritenounUS /ˌmɑːrɡərˈiːt/
tall leafy-stemmed Eurasian perennial with white flowers; widely naturalized; often placed in genus Chrysanthemum
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
come together
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
motivenounUS /ˈmoʊtɪv/
the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
necessitatedverbUS /nəˈsesəteɪtəd/
past form of “necessitate” — require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
information about recent and important events
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
by chance
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
Sainte
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
only a very short time before
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
speedyadjectiveUS /ˈspiːdiː/
characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
statedadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtɪd/
declared as fact; explicitly stated
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Major had scarce landed at Sainte Marguerite, ere everything were in commotion in the fort.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The Major at first replied evasively, that news he had received on landing on the mainland, had necessitated the immediate interruption of his journey; and, while conversing thus, he entered the fort and proceeded to his apartments, followed by the Lieutenant whom he had invited to accompany him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Lieutenant, intrusted with the command of the fort during his absence, eagerly hastened to meet him, curious to learn the motive for such a speedy return.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading On leaving the isle on the previous evening, the governor had stated that he was going on a journey, and would be absent a week, perhaps two.
