used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
AfghannounUS /ˈæfɡæn/
a blanket knitted or crocheted in strips or squares; sometimes used as a shawl
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
barricadenounUS /ˈbærəkeɪd/
a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
terminate
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
bulwarks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
civilizedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəlaɪzd/
having a high state of culture and development both social and technological
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
clutchnounUS /klʌtʃ/
the act of grasping
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
consolationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəˈleɪʃən/
the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
dispelverbUS /dɪˈspel/
force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
escortedverbUS /eˈskɔːrtɪd/
past form of “escort” — accompany as an escort
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
divisible by two
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
at any time
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
FORESHADOWINGS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmədəbəl/
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
geologistsnounUS /dʒiˈɑːlədʒɪsts/
plural of “geologist” — a specialist in geology
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
guidesnounUS /ɡaɪdz/
plural of “guide” — someone employed to conduct others
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
handwritingnounUS /ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/
something written by hand
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
hemmedverbUS /hemd/
inflected form of “hem” — fold over and sew together to provide with a hem
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
intercoursenounUS /ˈɪntərkɔːrs/
communication between individuals
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
irredeemably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
the sound of laughing
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
for more time
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
navigableadjectiveUS /ˈnævəɡəbəl/
able to be sailed on or through safely
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
not any; not one
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
on one occasion
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
and nothing more
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
any competition
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
riversnounUS /ˈrɪvərz/
plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
roadsnounUS /roʊdz/
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
routesnounUS /ruːts/
plural of “route” — an established line of travel or access
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
Sobul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It seemed to me that my life had reached a barricade as formidable as the mountain bulwarks that hemmed me in; there was no longer a straw to clutch at; I was irredeemably a prisoner.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
trailsnounUS /treɪlz/
plural of “trail” — a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
trudgedverbUS /trʌdʒd/
past form of “trudge” — walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
vicinitynounUS /vəˈsɪnəti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading I realized, of course, that there were rude trails leading out, for had not the Afghan guides escorted our geologists to this vicinity?
a vivid mental image
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
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 Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _FORESHADOWINGS_ It was in a bitter mood that I trudged back to Sobul.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
which person or people
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Only once on the return trip did I break my silence, and that was to ask, as I had done a thousand times, what roads led back to trade routes, navigable rivers, or civilized settlements; and it was no consolation to be told, as invariably before, that there were no roads; that Sobul held no intercourse with the world, and that I was the first of my race ever seen there.
Yasma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even the mirth and laughter of Yasma could not dispel my gloom; I was as one who has seen a black vision, one who has read the handwriting on the wall.
