used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
accurateadjectiveUS /ˈækjərət/
conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
From this reading My calculations had been remarkably accurate again.
aftadverbUS /æft/
at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
anew
From this reading My calculations had been remarkably accurate again.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
BARRIERnounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading My calculations had been remarkably accurate again.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
lacking funds
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
calculationsnounUS /ˌkælkjəˈleɪʃənz/
plural of “calculation” — the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods
From this reading My calculations had been remarkably accurate again.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
travel across or pass over
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
placed crosswise
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
the first light of day
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
wanted intensely
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
without deviation
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
exhilarationnounUS /ɪɡˌzɪlərˈeɪʃən/
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
death of a person
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
hauledverbUS /hɔːld/
past form of “haul” — draw slowly or heavily
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
headedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
come together
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
minimizeverbUS /ˈmɪnəmaɪz/
make small or insignificant
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My calculations had been remarkably accurate again.
not any; not one
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
perilnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
permittingverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪŋ/
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
possibilitiesnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
remarkablyadverbUS /rɪˈmɑːrkəbli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading My calculations had been remarkably accurate again.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
transport commercially
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
in the near future
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
southing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
southwardadverbUS /ˈsaʊθwərd/
toward the south
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
steeredverbUS /stɪrd/
past form of “steer” — direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading By the time it was fairly dawn I had made enough southing to place the north end of the island between ourselves and the ship.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
weatheredadjectiveUS /ˈweðərd/
worn by exposure to the weather
From this reading I had weathered the islands fairly in good time, and now as the sun rose I steered the boat directly toward the land, the changed direction of the morning breeze permitting me to lay the desired course.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading My hopes were high and I felt a kind of exhilaration at our escape, although I was by no means inclined to minimize the possibilities of grave peril we might soon be compelled to meet.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
at the time that
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH WE CROSS THE BARRIER When day broke I hauled aft the sheet and headed the boat to the southward, for I had now crossed what I took to be the head of the island and could run down the other side.
