genetic scientists here, scientists who study human genes and attempt to eliminate differences, or unique characteristics, in people and in the environment.
geraniums common house or garden plants that have white, pink, or red flowers.
gullies ditches that run parallel to roads.
Hall of Closed Records a building that houses various documents and video recordings; all information in the Hall of Closed Records is off-limits to the vast majority of citizens.
Hall of Open Records a building that stores records about citizens and events, as well as other information that is available to citizens of the community.
hatchery Jonas' community includes a salmon hatchery, a place where salmon are raised for the people's consumption.
hearing-beyond hearing things that other people in the community can't hear because they do not have the memories and no longer have the ability; for example, The Giver hears music.
hoarded selfishly accumulated.
House of the Old a facility, similar to a nursing home, in which elderly people reside and are cared for by Caretakers.
imperceptibly without a noticeable result.
imploringly begging for understanding in a painful situation.
indolence laziness.
indulgently here, meaning patiently, contentedly, and happily.
integral necessary.
invigorating powerfully exciting.
ironic a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. For example, in Chapter 1, when the Speaker informs the community that the errant pilot will be released, he uses an "amusing" tone in his voice, but the act of release is a serious, fatal matter.
