Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

(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 “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

any thing at all

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

plural of “aspiration” — a will to succeed

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

causing inconvenience

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)

From this reading That it was Norman’s sixteenth birthday seemed only to make it worse.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

power to direct or determine

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

English surgeon who discovered Cowper's gland (1666-1709)

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

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

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

having self-possession upset; thrown into confusion

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

made less hopeful or enthusiastic

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

divisible by two

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

opinion or judgment

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

changeable

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

in a gradual manner

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

the act of giving

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

feel grief

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

marked by or paying little heed or attention

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

engage in

From this reading That it was Norman’s sixteenth birthday seemed only to make it worse.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

used to form the superlative

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

possessive form of “norman” — United States operatic soprano (born in 1945)

From this reading That it was Norman’s sixteenth birthday seemed only to make it worse.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

throughout a period of time

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

and nothing more

From this reading That it was Norman’s sixteenth birthday seemed only to make it worse.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

plural of “pastime” — a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

act as president

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

third-person singular of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Nor did the following day, Saturday, do much for her comfort, by giving her the company of her brothers.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

coming next after the fifteenth in position

From this reading That it was Norman’s sixteenth birthday seemed only to make it worse.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading The misfortunes of that day disheartened and disconcerted Etheldred.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

straighten up or out; make straight

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

lacking grace in movement or posture

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

notify of danger, potential harm, or risk

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

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

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

look attentively

From this reading “Tis not enough that Greek or Roman page At stated hours, his freakish thoughts engage, Even in his pastimes he requires a friend To warn and teach him safely to unbend, O’er all his pleasures gently to preside, Watch his emotions, and control their tide.”--COWPER.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

in or at the place that

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

during the time that

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading To do mischief where she most wished to do good, to grieve where she longed to comfort, seemed to be her fate; it was vain to attempt anything for anyone’s good, while all her warm feelings and high aspirations were thwarted by the awkward ungainly hands and heedless eyes that Nature had given her.

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

From this reading That it was Norman’s sixteenth birthday seemed only to make it worse.