Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

aimlessly drifting

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

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

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

full of energetic and noisy activity

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

son of John Cabot who was born in Italy and who led an English expedition in search of the Northwest Passage and a Spanish expedition that explored the La Plata region of Brazil; in 1544 he published a map of the world (1476-1557)

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

an occurrence of something

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

plural of “classmate” — an acquaintance that you go to school with

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

in a manner differing from the usual or expected

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

the act of departing

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

yet to be or coming

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "And I will," he mentally resolved.

of great significance or value

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

in your mind

From this reading "And I will," he mentally resolved.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

held or filled or in use

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

new

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

determined

From this reading "And I will," he mentally resolved.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

up to a particular time

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

belonging to which person

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "And I will," he mentally resolved.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That morning his life had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those among his recent classmates whose services were in demand.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer "Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his prospects that had taken place within a few hours.

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

From this reading Now he would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too, entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?