Christopher Columbus: Journal and Selected Writings Glossary

Christopher Columbus: Journal and Selected Writings Glossary

Voyage

A long trip over the sea.

continent

The largest topographical areas of land on a map or atlas.

persuasion

The act of coercing someone to do something you want.

weaver

A person who makes a living by weaving fabric.

precious

Valuable due to a lack in quantity.

spices

Precious raw material at the time used to add flavor as well as preserve food to extend the period of time in which remained fresh enough to eat.

route

The path and direction that one charts through the process of navigation.

encouragement

The lending of support and help to another in order in their endeavor.

The Indies

The name given to the known Asian world at the time and the area that Columbus thought he had arrived at.

Indians

The name given to the indigenous native inhabitants Columbus first met because he thought he had landed in the Indies.

uncharted

Places not yet explored that remain unknown to non-native inhabitants

mutiny

An insurrection against the captain of a vessel.

vessel

Another name for a ship.

reverently

Done in a manner expressing admiration or esteem for someone or something.

speculate

To make a guess about the outcome of a situation based on a determination lacking all the necessary facts to be sure.

mainland

An area of dry land not surrounded by water.

abusive

To treat someone unfairly, cruelly or violently.

colonize

To take authority over land that isn't owned and that is already inhabited by natives who do owe allegiance to you.

disgraced

Having lost the respect of others due to dishonorable actions.

optimism

The fervent belief (whether unfounded or not) that everything will eventually turn out for the best.

venture

A project that is undertaken with the full assumption of all known risks.

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