used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
accentuatingverbUS /ækˈsentʃuːeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “accentuate” — to stress, single out as important
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
(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 A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
chirpsnounUS /tʃɜːrps/
plural of “chirp” — a sharp sound made by small birds or insects
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
clumsyadjectiveUS /ˈklʌmzi/
lacking grace in movement or posture
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
creakverbUS /kriːk/
make a high-pitched, screeching noise
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
distortedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɔːrtəd/
so badly formed or out of shape as to be ugly
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
frogsnounUS /frɑːɡz/
plural of “frog” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
glowedverbUS /ɡloʊd/
past form of “glow” — emit a steady even light without flames
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
half-hournounUS /ˈhæfaʊər/
a half of an hour
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
a single distinct event
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
innumerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnuːmərəbəl/
too numerous to be counted
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
INSULTnounUS /ˌɪnˈsʌlt/
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
katydidnounUS /ˈkeɪtidɪd/
large green long-horned grasshopper of North America; males produce shrill sounds by rubbing together special organs on the forewings
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
immediately past
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
multiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
normalitynounUS /ˌnɔːrˈmæləti/
being within certain limits that define the range of normal functioning
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
overwhelmingadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/
so strong as to be irresistible
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
panenounUS /peɪn/
sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
raspnounUS /ræsp/
uttering in an irritated tone
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
recognizeverbUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/
accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
rustlings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
shrubberynounUS /ˈʃrʌbəri/
an area where a number of shrubs are planted
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
smallnessnounUS /ˈsmɔːlnəs/
the property of having a relatively small size
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
moving very fast
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
tensionnounUS /ˈtenʃən/
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN INSULT IN THE MORNING I paused at the gate and looked back.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
very small
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
toadnounUS /toʊd/
any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
the topmost one of two
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
waningnounUS /ˈweɪnɪŋ/
a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent
From this reading A waning moon glowed large and distorted through the shrubbery, and from all about rose the sweet breath and innumerable tiny voices of the night, comfortable chirps and rustlings, the creak of frogs and the rasp of an occasional katydid; accentuating by their multiety and smallness the sense of overwhelming peace.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading In the upper windows lights were showing behind the shades, and now and then a swift shadow passed across the pane.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading As I went on, a quick movement at my feet made me start; then I smiled to recognize the clumsy hurry of a toad; and the incident seemed to point the contrast between the human tension of the last half-hour and the huge normality of the outer world.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet the house was altogether quiet, free within and without from any evidence of the unusual.
