Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

for the reason that

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

surround so as to force to give up

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

changing for the better

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

without stop or interruption

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

United States writer noted for his typographically eccentric poetry (1894-1962)

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

the act of departing

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

superlative of “hot” — used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

insanely irresponsible

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

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 "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

absolutely essential

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

not any; not one

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

the middle of the day

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE RANGE.

on one occasion

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

and nothing more

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

a formal and solemn declaration of objection

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading ON THE RANGE.

a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

cause to become

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

plural of “sentinel” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

acceptance of despair

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading ON THE RANGE.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

a vagrant

From this reading Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

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 "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

at the time that

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

in or at the place that

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading "If the Indians should besiege us here, it would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed in bettering it by going now."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading "It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the hottest portion of the day.

a state of Mexico on the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula

From this reading Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the flight should be continued without further delay.