used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
(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 His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
in addition
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
CalaisnounUS /kəˈleɪ/
a town in northern France on the Strait of Dover that serves as a ferry port to England
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
congratulationnounUS /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃən/
the act of acknowledging that someone has an occasion for celebration
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
consumedverbUS /kənˈsuːmd/
past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
detainedverbUS /dɪˈteɪnd/
past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
having made preparations
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
DovernounUS /ˈdoʊvər/
the capital of the state of Delaware
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
forefathersnounUS /ˈfɔːrfɑːðərz/
plural of “forefather” — the founder of a family
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
set up or found
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
Holyhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
intelligibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəbəl/
capable of being apprehended or understood
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
IrelandnounUS /ˈaɪərlənd/
a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
for more time
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
and nothing more
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
PerilsnounUS /ˈperəlz/
plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
an amount of time
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/
at an earlier time or formerly
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
puzzlingadjectiveUS /ˈpʌzəlɪŋ/
not clear to the understanding
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
on the contrary
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
south-eastadverb
to, toward, or in the southeast
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
speculationsnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃənz/
plural of “speculation” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading His nature disposed him at all times to action rather than thought.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
two times
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
unreasonableadjectiveUS /ənˈriːznəbəl/
not reasonable; not showing good judgment
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
unseenadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːn/
not seen or perceived
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
at the time that
From this reading Two months were consumed on the voyage to Ireland: not by any means an unreasonable time, when that period or longer was frequently required between Dover and Calais.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading Perils in the wilderness, and perils in the sea, were much more intelligible to our forefathers than to ourselves.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading They were detained previously at Holyhead, waiting for a south-east wind, only for a fortnight, which was rather a matter for congratulation; as was also the fact that they were only twice in danger of their lives during the voyage.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He found quite enough to look at in the visible world, without puzzling his brain by speculations concerning the unseen.
