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Lavengro
Lavengro

Chapter XXXIX

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Context Illustration Reading 1/10 · 5 lines
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Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.
The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.
We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.
At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.
The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Lavengro

Chapter XXXIX

Reading 1/10 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.
Line 2
The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.
Line 3
We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.
Line 4
At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.
Line 5
The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Exposed adjective US /ɪkˈspəʊzd/

left open to danger or view left open to danger or public view

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Length noun US /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading “At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Short adjective US /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading “Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.”

Standing noun US /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.”

All words in this reading · 133

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

a-la-Rafael

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

admission

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

black

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

breast

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

broad

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

brother

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

brown

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

brush

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

canvas

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

Capital

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

clever

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

commenced

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

countenance

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

cut

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

dark

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

difficulty

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

Disproportionably

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

door

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

doubt

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

easel

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

end

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

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

English

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

exposedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspəʊzd/

left open to danger or view left open to danger or public view

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

eye

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

eyeing

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

figure

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

Figures

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

friend

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

Go

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

grey

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

hair

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

Heroic

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

huge

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

I'll

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

Imaginary

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

intelligent

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

lately

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

legs

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

lengthnounUS /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

maid

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

Modest

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

much

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

muscular

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

neck

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

neckcloth

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

obtaining

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

off

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

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

old

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

opened

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

Painter

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

painting

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

pass

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

Peep

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

permitted

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

Pharaoh

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

Picture

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

piece

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

rather

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

resided

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

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

riband

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

said

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

servant

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

sharp

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

ShortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

shown

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

some

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

somewhat

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

standingnounUS /ˈstanding/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

stead

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

studio

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

subsequently

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

suspiciously

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

there

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

thighs

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

thirty-five

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

threshold

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

town

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

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

unfortunately

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

very

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

way

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

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

wear

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading We had some difficulty in obtaining admission to him; a maid- servant, who opened the door, eyeing us somewhat suspiciously: it was not until my brother had said that he was a friend of the painter that we were permitted to pass the threshold.

western

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

From this reading The painter of the heroic resided a great way off, at the western end of the town.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

WhopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Painter of the Heroic--I'll Go!--A Modest Peep--Who is This?--A Capital Pharaoh--Disproportionably Short--Imaginary Picture--English Figures.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading At length we were shown into the studio, where we found the painter, with an easel and brush, standing before a huge piece of canvas, on which he had lately commenced painting a heroic picture.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.

years

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

From this reading The painter might be about thirty-five years old; he had a clever, intelligent countenance, with a sharp grey eye--his hair was dark brown, and cut a-la-Rafael, as I was subsequently told, that is, there was little before and much behind--he did not wear a neckcloth; but, in its stead, a black riband, so that his neck, which was rather fine, was somewhat exposed--he had a broad muscular breast, and I make no doubt that he would have been a very fine figure, but unfortunately his legs and thighs were somewhat short.