adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
AnotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
anxiousadjectiveUS /ˈæŋkʃəs/
eagerly desirous
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
blankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
curvenounUS /kɜːrv/
the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
designnounUS /dɪˈzaɪn/
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
devicenounUS /dɪˈvaɪs/
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading The shadow knows nothing except its flat designs.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
flatadjectiveUS /flæt/
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading The shadow knows nothing except its flat designs.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
greyadjectiveUS /ɡreɪ/
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
handfulnounUS /ˈhændfʊl/
a small number or amount
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
intersectingadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈsektɪŋ/
crossed or intersected in the form of an X
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
intricaciesnounUS /ˈɪntrəkəsiz/
plural of “intricacy” — marked by elaborately complex detail
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The shadow knows nothing except its flat designs.
knowsnounUS /noʊz/
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading The shadow knows nothing except its flat designs.
leaveverbUS /liːv/
go away from a place
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
linenounUS /laɪn/
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The shadow knows nothing except its flat designs.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
ofteneradverbUS /ˈɔːfənər/
more often or more frequently
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
patternsnounUS /ˈpætərnz/
plural of “pattern” — a perceptual structure
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
perspectivenounUS /pərˈspektɪv/
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
pictoriallyadverb
in a pictorial manner
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
plainadjectiveUS /pleɪn/
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
presentedverbUS /priˈzentɪd/
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
rushesnounUS /ˈrʌʃəz/
plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
sedges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
SHADOWSnounUS /ˈʃædoʊz/
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
shopverbUS /ʃɑːp/
do one's shopping
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
simplyadverbUS /ˈsɪmpli/
and nothing more
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
slenderadjectiveUS /ˈslendər/
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
surfacenounUS /ˈsɜːrfəs/
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
tediousadjectiveUS /ˈtiːdiəs/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
TheirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
translatedverbUS /trænzˈleɪtɪd/
past form of “translate” — restate (words) from one language into another language
From this reading The shadow has all intricacies of perspective simply translated into line and intersecting curve, and pictorially presented to the eyes, not to the mind.
trivialadjectiveUS /ˈtrɪviəl/
(informal) small and of little importance
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
unencumberedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnenˈkʌmbərd/
free of encumbrance
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/
radically distinctive and without equal
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
unvexed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
vasenounUS /veɪs/
an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
visitedverbUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪd/
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
wallsnounUS /wɔːlz/
plural of “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 SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading Their slender grey design of shadows upon white walls is better than a tedious, trivial, or anxious device from the shop.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading SHADOWS Another good reason that we ought to leave blank, unvexed, and unencumbered with paper patterns the ceiling and walls of a simple house is that the plain surface may be visited by the unique designs of shadows.
yonderadjectiveUS /ˈjɑːndər/
distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)
From this reading The opportunity is so fine a thing that it ought oftener to be offered to the light and to yonder handful of long sedges and rushes in a vase.
