Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

(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 But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

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

From this reading But with the engineer it had been an entirely different proposition.

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

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

from appearances alone

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

for the reason that

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But with the engineer it had been an entirely different proposition.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading But with the engineer it had been an entirely different proposition.

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

one or the other of two

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading But with the engineer it had been an entirely different proposition.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

usually; as a rule

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

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

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

a city in northern Mexico on the Rio Grande opposite El Paso

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

and nothing more

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

plural of “kern” — United States composer of musical comedies (1885-1945)

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

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 This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

in like or similar manner

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

a focus of public attention

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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 A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

used to form the superlative

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

and nothing more

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

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

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

existing or coming before

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading But with the engineer it had been an entirely different proposition.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading This was true to a far greater extent than the boys knew.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

by way of; passing through

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

which person or people

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

belonging to which person

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But with the engineer it had been an entirely different proposition.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading But word had come via Juarez, who of all the crew was the only one whom the engineer admitted into his confidence to any degree, that John Berwick had really a most interesting career.

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

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading THE ENGINEER The engineer of the _Sea Eagle_ has not received much attention, either in this book or in the one just preceding, but this is not because he, John Berwick, was not worthy of consideration, but because he was apparently a very quiet man, whose conversation was generally confined to monosyllables; likewise his work kept him out of the limelight, as it were.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading A sailor like old Pete or a mariner like Captain Kerns would see the shores of many countries and land in numerous ports, but learn nothing of the real people, or the nature of the countries.