used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
a component that is added to something to improve it
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
aggressiveadjectiveUS /əˈɡresɪv/
having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
(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 The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
BombaynounUS /bɑːmˈbeɪ/
a city in western India just off the coast of the Arabian Sea; India's 2nd largest city (after Calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western India
From this reading The Indian Navy evolved from the Bombay Marine.
the two together, not just one
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
COMPANY'SnounUS /ˈkʌmpəniz/
possessive form of “company” — an institution created to conduct business
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
convoying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
defensiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈfensɪv/
intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
essentiallyadverbUS /eˈsenʃəli/
in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
divisible by two
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
at any time
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
evolvedverbUS /ɪˈvɑːlvd/
past form of “evolve” — work out
From this reading The Indian Navy evolved from the Bombay Marine.
existedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪstəd/
past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
existingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/
presently existing
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
fightsnounUS /faɪts/
plural of “fight” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
figuredadjectiveUS /ˈfɪɡjərd/
(of e.g. fabric design) adorned with patterns
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
hostilitiesnounUS /hɑːˈstɪlətiz/
fighting; acts of overt warfare
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
Indiamen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
mannedadjectiveUS /mænd/
having a crew
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
MarineadjectiveUS /mərˈiːn/
of or relating to the sea
From this reading The Indian Navy evolved from the Bombay Marine.
mercantileadjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrkəntaɪl/
of or relating to the economic system of mercantilism
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
nationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
NAVALadjectiveUS /ˈneɪvəl/
connected with or belonging to or used in a navy
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
NavynounUS /ˈneɪvi/
an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
absolutely essential
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
nomadicadjectiveUS /noʊˈmædɪk/
migratory
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
offensiveadjectiveUS /əˈfensɪv/
violating or tending to violate or offend against
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
outsetnounUS /ˈaʊtset/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
performingnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
piratesnounUS /ˈpaɪrəts/
plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
PrimarilyadverbUS /praɪˈmerəli/
for the most part
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
privateers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
projectsnounUS /ˈprɑːdʒekts/
plural of “project” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
sea-rovers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
subsequentlyadverbUS /ˈsʌbsəkwəntli/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
suppressingverbUS /səˈpresɪŋ/
-ing form of “suppress” — bring under control by force or authority
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
surveyingnounUS /sərˈveɪɪŋ/
the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
soldiers collectively
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The result was that these ships figured in more fights than any essentially mercantile ships (as distinct from pirates, privateers and other sea-rovers) that have ever been built.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE COMPANY’S NAVAL SERVICE Primarily, of course, the East Indiamen were built fitted out and manned for the purpose of trade: but owing to circumstances they were compelled to engage in hostilities both offensive and defensive.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It is necessary at the outset to distinguish carefully between what became known subsequently as the Indian Navy and the Company’s merchant ships.
at the time that
From this reading The former existed to protect the latter, by suppressing both local and nomadic pirates of all kinds, by convoying East Indiamen and even carrying troops when necessary, and by performing other duties, such as surveying, in addition to existing as a defence against any aggressive projects of rival nations.
