used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
in addition
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
ambassadornounUS /æmˈbæsədər/
a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
AmsterdamnounUS /ˈæmstərdæm/
an industrial center and the nominal capital of the Netherlands; center of the diamond-cutting industry; seat of an important stock exchange; known for its canals and art museum
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
AntwerpnounUS /ˈæntwərp/
a busy port and financial center in northern Belgium on the Scheldt river; it has long been a center for the diamond industry and the first stock exchange was opened there in 1460
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
a period of 100 years
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Rubens was a painter of the prosperous and ruling classes.
copyingnounUS /ˈkɑːpiɪŋ/
an act of copying
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
despiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
diplomaticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
relating to or characteristic of diplomacy
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
DovernounUS /ˈdoʊvər/
the capital of the state of Delaware
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
DYCK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
divisible by two
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
FlandersnounUS /ˈflændərz/
a medieval country in northern Europe that included regions now parts of northern France and Belgium and southwestern Netherlands
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
HollandnounUS /ˈhɑːlənd/
a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; half the country lies below sea level
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
King'snounUS /kɪŋz/
possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
Marie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
Medicis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
held or filled or in use
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
painternounUS /ˈpeɪntər/
an artist who paints
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
prosperousadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːspərəs/
in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich
From this reading Rubens was a painter of the prosperous and ruling classes.
proximitynounUS /prɑːkˈsɪməti/
the property of being close together
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
unusual or striking
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
RubensnounUS /ˈruːbənz/
prolific Flemish baroque painter; knighted by the English king Charles I (1577-1640)
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
rulingnounUS /ˈruːlɪŋ/
the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)
From this reading Rubens was a painter of the prosperous and ruling classes.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
seventeenthadjectiveUS /ˈsevənˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the sixteenth in position
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
sovereignadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːv.rən/
Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading He was employed by his own sovereign, by the King of Spain, by Marie de Medicis, Queen of France, and by Charles I. of England.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
Titians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His remarkable social and intellectual gifts caused him to be employed also as an ambassador, and he was sent on a diplomatic errand to Spain; but even then his leisure hours were occupied in copying the fine Titians in the King's palace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
From this reading VAN DYCK The great painter Rubens lived at Antwerp, a town about as near to Amsterdam as Dover is to London.
precisely as stated
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Rubens was a painter of the prosperous and ruling classes.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet despite the proximity of Flanders and Holland, their religion, politics, social life, and art were very different in the seventeenth century, as we have already seen.
