Chapter VII

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

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

(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 Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

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

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

for the reason that

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

make or cause to be or to become

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

of a dreadful kind

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the system of production and distribution and consumption

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

possessing or existing in bodily form

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

grow vigorously

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

physically weak

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

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

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

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

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

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

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

a disposition to remain inactive or inert

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

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

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

the quality possessed by something that is excessively expensive

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

of or befitting a lord

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

a particular point in time

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

combine by multiplication

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

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

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

on one occasion

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

and nothing more

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

a group of people who work together

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

covered with water

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

an insufficient quantity or number

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

plural of “philosopher” — a specialist in philosophy

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

participate in games or sport

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the judicial principle asserting the supremacy of federal over state legislation on the same subject

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

edge tool used in shaving

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

deficient in amount or quality or extent

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

plural of “steward” — someone who manages property or other affairs for someone else

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

lengthen or extend in duration or space

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading Far from practising economy, nature is prevented from overflowing into every sort of flourish and excrescence only by the local paucity of matter, or the pre-emption of it by other forms; because forms, once embodied in matter, acquire all its inertia, and grow dreadfully stubborn and egotistical.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

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

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

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

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

plural of “transformation” — a qualitative change

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading And as we are superfluous in the midst of nature, so is the best part of ourselves superfluous in us.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

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

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

at the time that

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

in or at the place that

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

belonging to which person

From this reading Scrimpy philosophers little know whose stewards they are when they complain of lavishness in nature, or her lordly way of living; her substance cannot be spent, nor its transformations exhausted.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading In sheer play, and without being able to help it, she will suddenly create organization, or memory, or intelligence, or any of those little vortices called passions, persons, or nations, which sustain themselves for a moment, hypostatizing their frail unity into some moral being--an interest or a soul.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading If God or nature had used Occam's razor and had hesitated to multiply beings without necessity, where should _we_ be?