used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
AlpineadjectiveUS /ˈælpaɪn/
relating to or characteristic of alps
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
ASCENTnounUS /əˈsent/
an upward slope or grade (as in a road)
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
autocratnounUS /ˈɔːtəkræt/
a cruel and oppressive dictator
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
Chamonix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
pleasing or delighting
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
Eiger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
Eigerjoch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
a person of German nationality
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
German-speakingadjective
able to communicate in German
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
guidesnounUS /ɡaɪdz/
plural of “guide” — someone employed to conduct others
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
Lauener
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
Leslie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
Mathews
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
Messrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
a form of address for a man
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
Mönch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
not one, and not any
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
Oberlander
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
many times at short intervals
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
pantomimenounUS /ˈpæntəmaɪm/
a performance using gestures and body movements without words
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/
plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
PlaygroundnounUS /ˈpleɪɡraʊnd/
an area where many people go for recreation
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
on the contrary
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
rivalrynounUS /ˈraɪvəlri/
the act of competing as for profit or a prize
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
sentimentsnounUS /ˈsentəmənts/
plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
term of address for a man
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
softenverbUS /ˈsɑːfən/
make (images or sounds) soft or softer
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
a thing, without saying which
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
express in speech
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
Ulrich
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
vigournoun
forceful exertion
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In those days there was often keen rivalry--and something more--between French and German-speaking guides, and Lauener was apt to be rather an autocrat on the mountains.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The Messrs Mathews had with them two Chamonix guides, while Mr Leslie Stephen had engaged the gigantic Oberlander Ulrich Lauener.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Perhaps the most delightful passages in his _Playground of Europe_ are those in which he tells how, in company with the Messrs Mathews, he managed to get up the great wall of ice between the Mönch and the Eiger, known as the Eigerjoch.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading "As, however, he could not speak a word of French, nor they of German, he was obliged to convey his 'sentiments' in pantomime, which, perhaps, did not soften 'their vigour.'
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading THE ASCENT OF A WALL OF ICE Of all the writers on Alpine matters none has a more charming style, or has described his adventures in a more modest manner, than Sir Leslie Stephen.
