Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

past form of “bask” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

caused to show discomposure

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

plural of “butterfly” — diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

English author; Charles Dodgson was an Oxford don of mathematics who is remembered for the children's stories he wrote under the pen name Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

travel across or pass over

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

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

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

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

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

giving courage or confidence or hope

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

apart from; not including

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

past form of “flutter” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

set up or found

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

someone who takes care of a garden

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

shoot down, of birds

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

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

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

without good reason

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

plural of “lilac” — any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

an ancient region on the coast of western Asia Minor; a powerful kingdom until conquered by the Persians in 546 BC

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

past form of “matter” — have weight; have import, carry weight

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

leave undone or leave out

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

disregarded

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

not any; not one

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

above and across; more than

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

(Greek mythology) the wife of Odysseus and a symbol of devotion and fidelity; for 10 years while Odysseus fought the Trojan War she resisted numerous suitors until Odysseus returned and killed them

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

by chance

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

in a polite manner

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

on the contrary

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

larceny by threat of violence

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

the basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies; not minted since 1970

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

treat with sulphur in order to preserve

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

express in words

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It mattered no more to them than it did to Penelope, lying so lazy and happy in the coarse grass.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

marked by order and cleanliness in appearance or habits

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

not trimmed

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

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

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

under normal conditions

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

precisely as stated

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

someone who visits

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

plural of “ward” — a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

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

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What did it matter to them that the garden was neglected, the grass rank and uncut, the currant-bushes barren from neglect, the lilacs old and blossomless?

at the time that

From this reading Penelope had never known the garden other than it was now, except, perhaps, at very far-distant intervals when a visitor was expected-- usually Aunt Julia, when a shilling or so had to be found to pay a gardener to come and 'tidy up.'

a Caucasian

From this reading Up and down, to and fro, backwards and for wards over the sunny garden the butterflies, white, sulphur, and brown, flitted and fluttered, lightly poising on currant-bush or flower, loving life as they basked in the sunshine; and Penelope lay and watched them.

which person or people

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

afflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.

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

From this reading She herself was always better pleased when he did not come, for almost invariably he charged too much, or Lydia said he did, and would tell him of it, not too politely, and tell her mistress that she was encouraging robbery; and Mrs. Carroll--who would far rather pay too much and hear no more about it than be bothered--would be worried, and Lydia would be cross; and to Penelope it seemed a pity to be made so uncomfortable for the sake of sixpence or a shilling.