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Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1
Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1

Chapter XI · Chapter 11

Chapter 11 of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 is here in full — 353 sentences across 71 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1
Context Illustration Reading 1/70 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.
Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.
No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.
Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.
Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1

Chapter XI · Chapter 11

Chapter 11 of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 is here in full — 353 sentences across 71 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/70 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.
/nuː jɪrz feɪt ɔːl ðɪs ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt ʌv ˈɪntrəst ɪn ðə ʃɑːp ˈɑːkjəpaɪd ˈfɪləp ˈfʊli fɔːr sʌm mʌnθs ˈæftər ðə ˈpɪriəd rəˈfɜːrd tuː ɪn ðə priˈsiːdɪŋ ˈtʃæptər/
Line 2
Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.
Line 3
No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.
Line 4
Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.
/ˈhɪðɜːrˈtuː ʃiː hæd səˈpoʊzd æz ˈtʃɪldrən soʊ ˈɔːfən duː ðæt hɜːr ˈperənts wʊd laɪv fɔːr ˈevər ənd naʊ wen ɪt wɑːz ə ˈkwestʃən ʌv deɪz ˈweðər baɪ ðæt taɪm ðə ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ wiːk hɜːr ˈmʌðər maɪt nɑːt biː ˈberid aʊt ʌv hɜːr saɪt fɔːr ˈevər ʃiː klʌŋ tuː ˈevəri ˈsembləns ʌv ˈsɜːrvəs tuː biː ˈrendərd ɔːr əˈfekʃən ʃoʊn æz ɪf ʃiː hoʊpt tuː kənˈdens ðə lʌv ənd ker ʌv jɪrz ˈɪntuː ðə fjuː deɪz ˈoʊnli ðæt maɪt rɪˈmeɪn/
Line 5
Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

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.

condense verb US /kənˈdens/

undergo condensation; change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops

From this reading “Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.”

enlargement noun US /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt/

the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

From this reading “NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.”

fete verb US /feɪt/

have a celebration

From this reading “NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.”

fireside noun US /ˈfaɪərsaɪd/

an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room)

From this reading “Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.”

inability noun US /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/

lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something

From this reading “Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.”

rheumatic noun US /ruːˈmætɪk/

a person suffering with rheumatism

From this reading “Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.”

shawls noun US /ʃɔːlz/

plural of “shawl” — cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

From this reading “Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.”

vehement adjective US /ˈviːəmənt/

marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid

From this reading “No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.”

All words in this reading · 153

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 Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

affectionnounUS /əˈfekʃən/

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

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 NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/

being joined in close association

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

auntnounUS /ænt/

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

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

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

BellnounUS /bel/

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/

plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

buriedadjectiveUS /ˈberid/

placed in a grave

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

carenounUS /ker/

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

chapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

ChristmasnounUS /ˈkrɪsməs/

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

clungverbUS /klʌŋ/

inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

condenseverbUS /kənˈdens/

undergo condensation; change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

cousinnounUS /ˈkʌzən/

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

daughternounUS /ˈdɔːtər/

a female human offspring

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

discoveredadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

downadjectiveUS /daʊn/

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

dreadnounUS /dred/

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

enlargementnounUS /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒmənt/

the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

expectedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspektəd/

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

feelingsnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋz/

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

FETEverbUS /feɪt/

have a celebration

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

fevernounUS /ˈfiːvər/

a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

firesidenounUS /ˈfaɪərsaɪd/

an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room)

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

gaietynoun

a gay feeling

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

HithertoadverbUS /ˈhɪðɜːrˈtuː/

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

hopedverbUS /hoʊpt/

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

house-place

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

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

how

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

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

illadjectiveUS /ɪl/

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

illnessnounUS /ˈɪlnəs/

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

inabilitynounUS /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/

lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

lastedverbUS /ˈlæstəd/

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

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

lingeredverbUS /ˈlɪŋɡərd/

past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

liveverbUS /laɪv/

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

losingverbUS /ˈluːzɪŋ/

-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

middlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

monthsnounUS /mʌnθs/

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

mothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

mother'snounUS /ˈmʌðərz/

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

NEWadjectiveUS /nuː/

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

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

nursingnounUS /ˈnɜːrsɪŋ/

the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/

held or filled or in use

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

parentsnounUS /ˈperənts/

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

passionatelyadverbUS /ˈpæʃənətli/

with passion

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/

carry out or perform an action

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/

an amount of time

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

PhilipnounUS /ˈfɪləp/

Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/

existing or coming before

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

prettyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪti/

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

promiseverbUS /ˈprɑːməs/

make a promise or commitment

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

pulledverbUS /pʊld/

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

recoververbUS /rɪˈkʌvər/

get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

referredverbUS /rəˈfɜːrd/

inflected form of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

remainverbUS /rɪˈmeɪn/

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

RememberingnounUS /rɪˈmembərɪŋ/

the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

renderedverbUS /ˈrendərd/

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

rheumaticnounUS /ruːˈmætɪk/

a person suffering with rheumatism

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

Robson

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

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/

only a very short time before

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

semblancenounUS /ˈsembləns/

an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

shawlsnounUS /ʃɔːlz/

plural of “shawl” — cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

shopverbUS /ʃɑːp/

do one's shopping

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

sittingnounUS /ˈsɪtɪŋ/

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

slowlyadverbUS /ˈsloʊli/

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

supposedadjectiveUS /səˈpoʊzd/

required or under orders

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

Sylvia

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

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

Sylvia's

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

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

uneasyadjectiveUS /əˈniːzi/

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

vehementadjectiveUS /ˈviːəmənt/

marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

wanadjectiveUS /wɑːn/

(of light) lacking in intensity or brightness; dim or feeble

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading No thought of company or gaiety was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted; vehement in all her feelings, she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her.

weeknounUS /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Mrs. Robson lingered on, began slowly to recover, and before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house-place, wan and pulled down, muffled up with shawls and blankets, but still there once more, where not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Remembering his last conversation with his aunt, he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin, but that about the middle of November Bell Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever, and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

YEAR'SnounUS /jɪrz/

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

From this reading NEW YEAR'S FETE All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading Hitherto she had supposed, as children so often do, that her parents would live for ever; and now when it was a question of days, whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight for ever, she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered, or affection shown, as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain.

Chapter 11 of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell holds 353 sentences, grouped into 71 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 11 of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 contain?

Chapter 11 holds 353 sentences of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1, unabridged, divided into 71 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 11 of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 353 sentences, grouped into 71 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 11 of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1?

Work through the 71 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 71 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 11 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 11 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 — Volume 1

Common questions about reading Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1?

Yes. All 2442 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #4534 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #4534, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 take to read?

About 203 minutes of reading across 489 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1 section by section

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Vocabulary met early in Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Early
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 1; 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 — Volume 1; 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 — Volume 1; 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 — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.