Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

later than; following

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

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

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

third-person singular of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

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

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

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

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

plural of “billow” — a large sea wave

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

any of several shrubs or small evergreen trees having solitary white or pink or reddish flowers

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

equipment for taking photographs (usually consisting of a lightproof box with a lens at one end and light-sensitive film at the other)

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

of the color of cream

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

coming down or downward

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "Now what shall I do?

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

someone who comes upon something after searching

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

plural of “fountain” — a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

having or deserving or conferring glory

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

plural of “hedge” — a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

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

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Now what shall I do?

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

existing as or having characteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

plural of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

the Babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of Ea

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Now what shall I do?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

of a yellow-green color similar to that of an unripe olive

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

select carefully from a group

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

a light shade of red

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

consisting of fine particles

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "Now what shall I do?

plural of “shrub” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

plural of “statue” — a sculpture representing a human or animal

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

plural of “terrace” — usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

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

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

-ing form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

in a vague way

From this reading In front of her, the princess was looking vaguely into the finder of a camera.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

made of or covered with wax

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.

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

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "Now what shall I do?

at the time that

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

a Caucasian

From this reading DON GIOVANNI ARRIVES It was a few days after Nina's arrival in Italy; one of the glorious mornings when the famous Sansevero gardens were full of golden light, bringing into high relief the creamy marble of statues that in other centuries had been white.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In contrast with this background of green and marble and roses and flowers and fountains stood Nina reaching up to pick a pink camellia.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Against the deep waxy green of shrubs and hedges, the fountains seemed to be tossing liquid diamonds; and beyond the marble balustrades of the descending terraces, the hills rolled away in soft gray billows of young olive leaves and powdered slopes of blossoming orange branches.