used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
(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 I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
Ashanti
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
berthnounUS /bɜːrθ/
a job in an organization
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
CapenounUS /keɪp/
a strip of land projecting into a body of water
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
charredverbUS /tʃɑːrd/
inflected form of “char” — burn to charcoal
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
coaxedverbUS /koʊkst/
past form of “coax” — influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
a state at a particular time
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
customsnounUS /ˈkʌstəmz/
money collected under a tariff
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
dismayedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmeɪd/
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
embersnounUS /ˈembərz/
plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
EuropeannounUS /ˌjʊrəˈpiːən/
a native or inhabitant of Europe
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
extinctadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
no longer in existence; lost or especially having died out leaving no living representatives
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
start firing a weapon
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
forlornadjectiveUS /fərˈlɔːrn/
marked by or showing hopelessness
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
fragmentsnounUS /ˈfræɡmənts/
plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
someone employed to conduct others
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
GuineanounUS /ˈɡɪni/
a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
GulfnounUS /ɡʌlf/
an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
hazyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪzi/
filled or abounding with fog or mist
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
intelligibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəbəl/
capable of being apprehended or understood
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
a domain in which something is dominant
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
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 True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
immediately past
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
localitynounUS /loʊˈkæləti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
morselnounUS /ˈmɔːrsəl/
a small quantity of anything
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
night'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
go across or through
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
peoplesnounUS /ˈpiːpəlz/
the human beings of a particular nation or community or ethnic group
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
by chance
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
perilsnounUS /ˈperəlz/
plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
rakedverbUS /reɪkt/
past form of “rake” — move through with or as if with a rake
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
reassuringadjectiveUS /ˌriːəˈʃʊrɪŋ/
restoring confidence and relieving anxiety
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
reviewnounUS /ˌriːˈvjuː/
a new appraisal or evaluation
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
sacrificialadjectiveUS /ˌsækrəˈfɪʃəl/
used in or connected with a sacrifice
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
plural of “story” — 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 Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
confined on all sides
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
treatmentnounUS /ˈtriːtmənt/
care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
twigsnounUS /twɪɡz/
plural of “twig” — a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
unacquaintedadjective
not knowledgeable about something specified
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
unmolestedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnməˈlestɪd/
not interfered with, disturbed, or harmed
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
unprotectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnprəˈtektɪd/
lacking protection or defense
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
verifiedadjectiveUS /ˈverəfaɪd/
proved to be true
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
villagersnounUS /ˈvɪlɪdʒərz/
plural of “villager” — one who has lived in a village most of their life
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
villagesnounUS /ˈvɪlədʒəz/
plural of “village” — a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
at the time that
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Then I might--taking the sun and stars as my guide--strike due south, when sooner or later I must reach the sea--if I were allowed to pass unmolested; but my experience of the treatment of solitary strangers was far from reassuring, while the stories I had heard of the sacrificial customs of Ashanti--stories that I had largely verified--made a journey through that country seem a forlorn hope indeed.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading I might perhaps succeed in making intelligible to the forest villagers an inquiry as to the way to Cape Coast, but my judgment urged me to give all villages a wide berth in my solitary and unprotected condition.
widthnounUS /wɪdθ/
the extent of something from side to side
From this reading True, I knew that far away to the south lay the Gulf of Guinea and the European settlements; but between me and the coast lay the whole width of the forest and the kingdom of Ashanti.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When I came to review my situation as I raked together the almost extinct embers of last night’s fire, and coaxed them into life with dry twigs and charred fragments, I could not but be dismayed at the difficulties and perils with which I was surrounded.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Here I was, alone in the wilderness, without a morsel of provisions, totally ignorant of the locality, quite unacquainted with the speech of the forest peoples, and with but a hazy idea of the direction in which I should turn my steps.
