Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

plural of “artist” — a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading Next year somebody must lecture the Arts and Crafts on Japanese art.

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

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

plural of “craft” — the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading Next year somebody must lecture the Arts and Crafts on Japanese art.

stretch (the neck) so as to see better

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

possessive form of “crane” — United States writer (1871-1900)

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

-ing form of “decorate” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

something used to beautify

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

be different

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

intense or sharp

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

subtly skillful handling of a situation

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

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

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

of great significance or value

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

serving to instruct or enlighten or inform

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a string of more than 3,000 islands to the east of Asia extending 1,300 miles between the Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

a native or inhabitant of Japan

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

deliver a lecture or talk

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

engage in

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

United States suffragist in Wyoming (1814-1902)

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Next year somebody must lecture the Arts and Crafts on Japanese art.

plural of “naturalist” — an advocate of the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Next year somebody must lecture the Arts and Crafts on Japanese art.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

many times at short intervals

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

and nothing more

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

pertaining to or consisting of pictures

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a person, without saying who

From this reading Next year somebody must lecture the Arts and Crafts on Japanese art.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

a special situation

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading Like Mr. Morris he quite underrates the art of Japan, and looks on the Japanese as naturalists and not as decorative artists.

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

From this reading Mr. Crane's lecture was most interesting and instructive.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

in or at the place that

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It is true that they are often pictorial, but by the exquisite finesse of their touch, the brilliancy and beauty of their colour, their perfect knowledge of how to make a space decorative without decorating it (a point on which Mr. Crane said nothing, though it is one of the most important things in decoration), and by their keen instinct of where to place a thing, the Japanese are decorative artists of a high order.

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

From this reading On one point only we would differ from him.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Next year somebody must lecture the Arts and Crafts on Japanese art.