Chapter I

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

-ing form of “abate” — make less active or intense

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

the state of being absent

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

(Old Testament) in Judeo-Christian mythology; the first man and the husband of Eve and the progenitor of the human race

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

later than; following

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

anew

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

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

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

a period of 100 years

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

female equivalent of a count or earl

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

a female human offspring

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

third-person singular of “deserve” — be worthy or deserving

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

becoming smaller or less or appearing to do so

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

of the highest quality

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

spectators at a golf or tennis match

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

Irish mathematician (1806-1865)

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

only a very short time before

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

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

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

the state of being honored

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

New Zealand writer of short stories (1888-1923)

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

plural of “milne” — English writer of stories for children (1882-1956)

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

leave undone or leave out

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

not any; not one

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

and nothing more

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

plural of “painter” — an artist who paints

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

United States sociologist (1902-1979)

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

inferior in rank or status

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

plural of “portrait” — a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

past form of “print” — put into print

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

English chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975)

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

being one more than fifteen

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The large portrait of _Mrs. Mark Currie_ is charming, but by no means so fine.

a district in southwestern Manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

make square

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In placing him in the first rank of English painters, however, the present generation are only doing him as much honour as he deserves, after a century of neglect; and there seems to be no fear of his fame diminishing again or his popularity abating.

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

From this reading _The Parsons Daughter_, in the National Gallery, and the _Mrs. Robinson_, at Hertford House, are of the finest quality; but they are only heads.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

up to a particular time

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

precisely as stated

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

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

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading In the _Louisa, Countess of Mansfield_, we are nearer to the very best; but that is only a temporary loan, and until the public are in possession of one or two of his superb whole-length portraits, such as Earl Crewe’s _Lady Milnes_, the Marquis of Lansdowne’s _Lord Henry Petty_, or the _Lady Bell Hamilton_, they will hardly be able to judge the work of Romney as fairly as that of his more fortunate contemporaries.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Containing sixteen examples of the master’s work A. AND C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK PRINTED AT THE BALLANTYNE PRESS LONDON PREFACE The most obvious gap in the ranks of the portraits by British painters in our National Collections is caused by the absence of any work of really first-rate importance by George Romney.