used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
AFLOATadjectiveUS /əˈfloʊt/
aimlessly drifting
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
in the past
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both came.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Both came.
cannibalnounUS /ˈkænəbəl/
a person who eats human flesh
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
ChristianitynounUS /ˌkrɪstʃiˈænɪti/
a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
convertingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “convert” — change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
cotnounUS /kɑːt/
a sheath worn to protect a finger
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
customsnounUS /ˈkʌstəmz/
money collected under a tariff
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
EarlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
divisible by two
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
floatingadjectiveUS /ˈfloʊtɪŋ/
borne up by or suspended in a liquid
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She prayed for strength and for hope.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading She prayed for strength and for hope.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
inferiors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
islandersnounUS /ˈaɪləndərz/
plural of “islander” — an inhabitant of an island
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
juniorsnounUS /ˈdʒuːnjərz/
plural of “junior” — term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
Leona
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
for more time
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
social deportment
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
the force of workers available
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
not any; not one
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
many times at short intervals
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
on one occasion
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
prayedverbUS /preɪd/
past form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading She prayed for strength and for hope.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
reverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
revertverbUS /rɪˈvɜːrt/
go back to a previous state
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading She prayed for strength and for hope.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
undertookverbUS /ˌʌndərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Early one morning, even before she had left her cot, a suggestion appeared to come floating across her mind, and she determined to act upon it at once.
precisely as stated
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
at the time that
From this reading _AFLOAT ON SUMMER SEAS_ When Leona, in her quiet and earnest way, undertook--very many months ago--the terrible task of converting this cannibal island to Christianity, she often trembled to think that when she was no longer among the poor creatures, they might revert to their old savage customs and manners.
which person or people
From this reading There were several reverend old men among the islanders, who had always been looked up to by their juniors and inferiors.
