used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
in actual fact
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
anew
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
at or in the front
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
any thing at all
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
the act of breaking something
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
brilliantlyadverbUS /ˈbrɪljəntli/
with brightness
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
causingnounUS /ˈkɑːzɪŋ/
the act of causing something to happen
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
cautiousadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːʃəs/
showing careful forethought
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
dippedadjectiveUS /dɪpt/
having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
without deviation
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
apart from; not including
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
favourableadjective
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
flotillanounUS /floʊˈtɪlə/
a United States Navy fleet consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
identifyverbUS /aɪˈdentəfaɪ/
recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
launchverbUS /lɔːntʃ/
set up or found
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
localitynounUS /loʊˈkæləti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
loomedverbUS /luːmd/
past form of “loom” — come into view indistinctly, often threateningly
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
engage in
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the force of workers available
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
a particular point in time
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
absolutely essential
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
not any; not one
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
oarsnounUS /ɔːrz/
plural of “oar” — an implement used to propel or steer a boat
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
on one occasion
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the one or ones belonging to us
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
phosphorescentadjective
emitting light without appreciable heat as by slow oxidation of phosphorous
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
questnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
with low volume
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
rarestadjectiveUS /ˈrerəst/
superlative of “rare” — not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
ReidnounUS /riːd/
Scottish philosopher of common sense who opposed the ideas of David Hume (1710-1796)
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
and nothing more
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
spars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading Feeling sure that this must be one of the vessels of which we were in quest, Mr Reid at once gave the order for the flotilla to again move cautiously forward; and the boats' oars immediately dipped into the phosphorescent water, causing it to gleam and flash brilliantly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading At first it was simply impossible for us to distinguish anything--except the land, which loomed vague and dark, like a broad shadow, above the water.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
whereaboutsnounUS /ˈwerəbaʊts/
the general location where something is
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading No night could well have been more favourable for such an attack as ours--which was meant to be a surprise, if possible--than the one selected; so dark, indeed, was it that, by a piece of the rarest good fortune, we had actually entered the harbour before we were able to completely identify our whereabouts.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading At length, however, one of the men in the launch announced, in a low cautious whisper, that he could make out the spars of a vessel directly ahead; and immediately afterwards, the clouds overhead breaking slightly away for a moment, we were able to distinguish the craft herself.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading It now became necessary for us to pause for a moment and look about us, in order to ascertain the locality of our game; and the word was accordingly quietly passed from boat to boat for the men to lay on their oars.
