adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
approachverbUS /əˈproʊtʃ/
move towards
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
awareadjectiveUS /əˈwer/
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
beardnounUS /bɪrd/
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
creativeadjectiveUS /kriˈeɪtɪv/
having the ability or power to create
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
cultivationnounUS /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/
socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
daysnounUS /deɪz/
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
deepadjectiveUS /diːp/
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
differedverbUS /ˈdɪfərd/
past form of “differ” — be different
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
dressedadjectiveUS /drest/
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
emaciatedadjectiveUS /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
emergedverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒd/
past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
essencenounUS /ˈesəns/
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
examinedverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmənd/
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
exceedverbUS /ɪkˈsiːd/
be greater in scope or size than some standard
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
existences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
expressedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsprest/
communicated in words
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
facenounUS /feɪs/
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
flowersnounUS /ˈflaʊərz/
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
garbnounUS /ɡɑːrb/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
gardenernounUS /ˈɡɑːrdənər/
someone who takes care of a garden
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
Giovanni
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
graynounUS /ɡreɪ/
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
grewverbUS /ɡruː/
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
hairnounUS /her/
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
heartnounUS /hɑːrt/
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
huenounUS /hjuː/
the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
inmost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
intellectnounUS /ˈɪntəlekt/
knowledge and intellectual ability
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
intentness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
laborernounUS /ˈleɪbərər/
someone who works with their hands; someone engaged in manual labor
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
leafnounUS /liːf/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
leavesnounUS /liːvz/
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
markedadjectiveUS /mɑːrkt/
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
NeverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
NothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
observationsnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃənz/
plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
partnounUS /pɑːrt/
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
pathnounUS /pæθ/
a course of conduct
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/
a human being
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
regardnounUS /rɪˈɡɑːrd/
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
rustlingnounUS /ˈrʌslɪŋ/
the stealing of cattle
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
sallow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
scholar'snounUS /ˈskɑːlərz/
possessive form of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
scientificadjectiveUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/
of or relating to the practice of science
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
shapenounUS /ʃeɪp/
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
showedverbUS /ʃoʊd/
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
shrubnounUS /ʃrʌb/
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
sickly-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
singularlyadverbUS /ˈsɪŋɡjələrli/
in a singular manner or to a singular degree
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
soonadverbUS /suːn/
in the near future
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
spitenounUS /spaɪt/
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
talladjectiveUS /tɔːl/
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
termnounUS /tɜːrm/
a word or expression used for some particular thing
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
vegetablenounUS /ˈvedʒtəbəl/
edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant
From this reading Nevertheless, in spite of this deep intelligence on his part, there was no approach to intimacy between himself and these vegetable existences.
viewnounUS /vjuː/
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading His figure soon emerged into view, and showed itself to be that of no common laborer, but a tall, emaciated, sallow, and sickly-looking man, dressed in a scholar’s garb of black.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
whereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/
an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
whynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Nothing could exceed the intentness with which this scientific gardener examined every shrub which grew in his path: it seemed as if he was looking into their inmost nature, making observations in regard to their creative essence, and discovering why one leaf grew in this shape and another in that, and wherefore such and such flowers differed among themselves in hue and perfume.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading While Giovanni stood at the window he heard a rustling behind a screen of leaves, and became aware that a person was at work in the garden.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading He was beyond the middle term of life, with gray hair, a thin, gray beard, and a face singularly marked with intellect and cultivation, but which could never, even in his more youthful days, have expressed much warmth of heart.
