Both Uses of
impair
in
A Tale of Two Cities
- I know from terrible warnings I have noted in myself that my reason will not long remain unimpaired, but I solemnly declare that I am at this time in the possession of my right mind—that my memory is exact and circumstantial—and that I write the truth as I shall answer for these my last recorded words, whether they be ever read by men or not, at the Eternal Judgment-seat.†
Chpt 3.10unimpaired = 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.
- As if his memory were impaired, or his faculties disordered, the prisoner made an effort to rally his attention.†
Chpt 3.13 *impaired = made worse or less effective
Definition:
make worse or less effective