Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

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

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

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

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

later than; following

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

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

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

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

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to Europe on the west to form Eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

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

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

a period of 100 years

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

plural of “continent” — one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

wanted intensely

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

-ing form of “desire” — feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

part; cease or break association with

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

-ing form of “divorce” — part; cease or break association with

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

marked by a painfully slow and effortful manner

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

being one more than seven

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

at any time

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

an act that fails

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

a person of French nationality

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

assets in the form of money

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

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

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

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

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

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

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

not capable of being separated

From this reading They were seemingly inseparable.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

French diplomat who supervised the construction of the Suez Canal (1805-1894)

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

for more time

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

not any; not one

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

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

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

plural of “obstacle” — something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

plural of “ocean” — a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

the largest ocean in the world

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

32nd President of the United States; elected four times; instituted New Deal to counter the Great Depression and led country during World War II (1882-1945)

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

from appearances alone

From this reading They were seemingly inseparable.

the state of lacking unity

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

at the same instant

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

to go stealthily or furtively

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

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

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

of or relating to or inhabiting the land as opposed to the sea or air

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The Northern and Southern continents are now better friends than ever and the Atlantic Ocean no longer has to sneak round by the back door to spend an evening with the Pacific.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

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

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

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

From this reading They were seemingly inseparable.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

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

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.

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

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

From this reading Fourteen years later President Roosevelt, desiring to remove all obstacles to a much desired union of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, started a new action for divorce on the same grounds as that of De Lesseps, and in August, 1902, the divorce of North and South America and the wedding of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were simultaneously celebrated.

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

From this reading SOUTH AMERICA From the beginning of time up to the present century, the continents of North and South America were joined together in terrestrial bonds of matrimony.

at the time that

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

which person or people

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The first indication that everything was not as it should be with this long united couple, was in the year 1880, when a Frenchman named De Lesseps (who had already succeeded in divorcing Asia and Africa) attempted to bring about a separation.

a late time of life

From this reading The attempt, however, was a failure, and, after dragging on for eight years, proceedings were dropped for want of funds.