All 6 Uses of
impair
in
David Copperfield
- She was a little confused when Mr. Barkis made this abrupt announcement of their union, and could not hug me enough in token of her unimpaired affection; but she soon became herself again, and said she was very glad it was over.†
Chpt 10-12 *unimpaired = not hindered (weakened or interfered with)standard prefix: The prefix "un-" in unimpaired means not and reverses the meaning of impaired. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.
- MY aunt, however, having had time to cool, while Peggotty was out showing Mr. Dick the soldiers at the Horse Guards — and being, besides, greatly pleased to see Agnes — rather plumed herself on the affair than otherwise, and received us with unimpaired good humour.†
Chpt 34-36
- The picture I had before me, of the beautiful little treasure of my heart, sobbing and crying all night — of her being alone, frightened, and wretched, then — of her having so piteously begged and prayed that stony-hearted woman to forgive her — of her having vainly offered her those kisses, work-boxes, and trinkets — of her being in such grievous distress, and all for me — very much impaired the little dignity I had been able to muster.†
Chpt 37-39impaired = made worse or less effective
- I was in several minds how to dress myself on the important day; being divided between my desire to appear to advantage, and my apprehensions of putting on anything that might impair my severely practical character in the eyes of the Misses Spenlow.†
Chpt 40-42
- At times, even his impaired power of concentrating his memory and attention on particular points of business, has recovered itself very much; and he has been able to assist us in making some things clear, that we should have found very difficult indeed, if not hopeless, without him.†
Chpt 52-54impaired = made worse or less effective
- My health, severely impaired when I left England, was quite restored.†
Chpt 58-60
Definition:
make worse or less effective