| 释义 |
neatness|ˈniːtnɪs|
[f. neat a. + -ness.]
1. The quality or condition of being neat, in various applications of the adj.
1555Eden Decades 138 It was so named for the neatenesse and bewtifulnes therof. 1593Norden Spec. Brit., Cornwall (1728) 63 Ther is not a towne..more comendable for neatnes of buyldinges. 1638Junius Paint. Ancients 120 There is a wonderfull great difference between pure neatnesse and curious affectation. 1682Norris Hierocles 97 Too much Neatness will slide into Luxury and softness. 1741Richardson Pamela II. 359, I was much pleas'd with the Neatness of the Good Woman. 1774Goldsm. Nat. Hist. (1776) VII. 171 There is much geometrical neatness in the disposal of the serpent's scales. c1850Arab. Nts. (Rtldg.) 584 She had even neglected that neatness and cleanliness so becoming to persons of her sex. 1867A. Duncan Mem. W. Duncan 28 It was quite a model in respect of order and neatness and freeness from weeds.
pl.1834H. Miller Scenes & Leg. xx, She retained a few of the mechanical neatnesses of her earlier years. 1859Meredith R. Feverel xlii, Looking to their neatnesses.
b. In reference to language or style.
1548Patten Exped. Scotl. Pref. a v, For the neatnes of making and fynenes of sense. 1576Fleming tr. Caius' Dogs To Rdr., The elegantnes and neatnesse of his Latine phrase. c1645Howell Lett. (1650) I. 407, I find..such a gallantry and neatness in your lines, that you may give the law of lettering to all the world. 1685Cotton tr. Montaigne (1711) I. xxxix. 354 Neatness of stile is no manly Ornament. 1824I. Murray Eng. Gram. (ed. 5) I. 313 There is a peculiar neatness in the sentence beginning with the conjunctive form of a verb. 1859Helps Friends in C. Ser. ii. II. xii. 311 Neither does neatness of expression affect us much.
2. Dexterity, smartness.
1862Stanley Jew. Ch. (1877) I. xvi. 313 The neatness with which the Philistine watchmen are outdone. |