As the number of leaves on the tree dwindled, the number on the ground increased.

Chewing nicotine gum helped Doreen's craving for cigarettes to dwindle. She smoked fewer and fewer cigarettes each day until she quit altogether.

When Mr. Bauer retired after coaching basketball for thirty years, his admiring students gave him a gold whistle as a sign of their esteem.

The critics has such esteem for the play that they voted it "Best Drama of the Year."

Music can evoke powerful feelings. A sweet violin solo often moves its listeners to tears.

the smells of cider and pumpkin pie evoke thoughts of autumn.

Ana's great-grandfather, grandmother, and mother were all musicians. She must have inherited their legacy of musical talent because she's an excellent piano and guitar player.

One of the richest legacies that my mother handed down to me is the love of nature. I've inherited her interests in growing flowers and in hiking.

My father refused to mediate quarrels between my sister and me. He would say, "Settle you own fights."

Each of the farmers claimed the stream was part of his property. Finally, they agreed to let the town council mediate their conflict.

When I put in my earplugs, the yelling from the next apartment becomes muted enough so that it no longer disturbs me.

The artist used muted rather than bright colors, giving he painting a quiet, peaceful tone.

Although I often forget to water or feed my plants, my sister carefully nurtures her many ferns and violets.

Many animals feed and protect their babies, but female fish, in general, do not nurture their young. The female only lays the eggs, which are guarded by the male until they hatch.

When I'm feeling nervous or upset, I often pacify myself with soothing cup of mint tea.

Not only did I anger Roberta by calling her boyfriends "a creep," but I failed to pacify her with note of apology: "I'm sorry I called Mel a creep. It's not always wise to tell the truth."

The drug's dangers include both permanent brain damage and transient side effects, such as temporarily blurred vision.

Julia wants a lasting relationship, but Rico seems interested in only a transient one.