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Sylvia's Lovers — Complete
Sylvia's Lovers — Complete

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete is here in full — 149 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Sylvia's Lovers — Complete
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'
It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.
But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.
Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.
Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sylvia's Lovers — Complete

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete is here in full — 149 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'
/ðə enˈɡeɪdʒmənt æz ðə deɪ ˈleŋθənz soʊ ðə koʊld ˈstreŋθənz/
Line 2
It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.
Line 3
But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.
Line 4
Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.
Line 5
Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

amendment noun US /əˈmendmənt/

the act of amending or correcting

From this reading “But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.”

churning adjective US /ˈtʃɜːrnɪŋ/

moving with or producing or produced by vigorous agitation

From this reading “Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.”

cleaning noun US /ˈkliːnɪŋ/

the act of making something clean

From this reading “Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.”

invalids noun US /ˈɪnvələdz/

plural of “invalid” — someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading “But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.”

lengthens verb US /ˈleŋθənz/

third-person singular of “lengthen” — make longer

From this reading “THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'”

manure noun US /məˈnʊr/

any animal or plant material used to fertilize land especially animal excreta usually with litter material

From this reading “It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.”

strengthens verb US /ˈstreŋθənz/

third-person singular of “strengthen” — make strong or stronger

From this reading “THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'”

year's noun US /jɪrz/

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading “It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.”

All words in this reading · 117

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

accustomedadjectiveUS /əˈkʌstəmd/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

althoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

amendmentnounUS /əˈmendmənt/

the act of amending or correcting

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

assistancenounUS /əˈsɪstəns/

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

autumn-sown

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

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

BellnounUS /bel/

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

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

bitteradjectiveUS /ˈbɪtər/

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

blackadjectiveUS /blæk/

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

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

centred

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

Charley

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

churningadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɜːrnɪŋ/

moving with or producing or produced by vigorous agitation

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

cleaningnounUS /ˈkliːnɪŋ/

the act of making something clean

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

coldadjectiveUS /koʊld/

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

endureverbUS /enˈdjʊr/

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

ENGAGEMENTnounUS /enˈɡeɪdʒmənt/

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

evenounUS /iːv/

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

fainadjectiveUS /feɪn/

having made preparations

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

farmersnounUS /ˈfɑːrmərz/

plural of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

frostnounUS /frɔːst/

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

gettingnounUS /ˈɡetɪŋ/

the act of acquiring something

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

growthnounUS /ɡroʊθ/

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

hard-working

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

invalidsnounUS /ˈɪnvələdz/

plural of “invalid” — someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

Kinraid

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

labournounUS /ˈleɪbər/

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

lastedverbUS /ˈlæstəd/

past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

lengthensverbUS /ˈleŋθənz/

third-person singular of “lengthen” — make longer

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

looksnounUS /lʊks/

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

manurenounUS /məˈnʊr/

any animal or plant material used to fertilize land especially animal excreta usually with litter material

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

meaningnounUS /ˈmiːnɪŋ/

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

meantverbUS /ment/

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

mechanicallyadverbUS /məˈkænɪkli/

in a mechanical manner; by a mechanism

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

monotonousadjectiveUS /məˈnɑːtənəs/

tediously repetitious or lacking in variety

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

neighbourhoodnounUS /ˈneɪbərhʊd/

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

notwithstandingadverbUS /ˌnɑːtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

pooradjectiveUS /puːr/

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

progressnounUS /ˈprɑːɡres/

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

Robson

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

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

rosenounUS /roʊz/

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

strengthensverbUS /ˈstreŋθənz/

third-person singular of “strengthen” — make strong or stronger

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

suitverbUS /suːt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

Sylvia

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

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE ENGAGEMENT 'As the day lengthens so the cold strengthens.'

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

thoughtsnounUS /θɔːts/

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

washingnounUS /ˈwɑːʃɪŋ/

the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

waysnounUS /weɪz/

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

welcomeverbUS /ˈwelkəm/

accept gladly

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

wheatnounUS /wiːt/

annual or biennial grass having erect flower spikes and light brown grains

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

widow-woman

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

From this reading Sylvia was kept very busy, notwithstanding that she had the assistance of a poor widow-woman in the neighbourhood on cleaning, or washing, or churning days.

wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/

the words that are spoken

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

worseadjectiveUS /wɜːrs/

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading But it did not suit invalids as well, and Bell Robson, though not getting worse, did not make any progress towards amendment.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Her life was quiet and monotonous, although hard-working; and while her hands mechanically found and did their accustomed labour, the thoughts that rose in her head always centred on Charley Kinraid, his ways, his words, his looks, whether they all meant what she would fain believe they did, and whether, meaning love at the time, such a feeling was likely to endure.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

year'snounUS /jɪrz/

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading It was so that year; the hard frost which began on new year's eve lasted on and on into late February, black and bitter, but welcome enough to the farmers, as it kept back the too early growth of autumn-sown wheat, and gave them the opportunity of leading manure.

Chapter 14 of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell holds 149 sentences, grouped into 30 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 14 of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete contain?

Chapter 14 holds 149 sentences of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 14 of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 149 sentences, grouped into 30 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 14 of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 14 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 14 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Sylvia's Lovers — Complete

Common questions about reading Sylvia's Lovers — Complete by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete?

Yes. All 7382 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #4537 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #4537, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sylvia's Lovers — Complete take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1477 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sylvia's Lovers — Complete section by section

How to work through Sylvia's Lovers — Complete section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Sylvia's Lovers — Complete

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sylvia's Lovers — Complete, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Early
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
October
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Girls
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Country
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sylvia's Lovers — Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.