ha'p'orth

/'heipniwə:θ/ Cách viết khác : (ha'p'orth) /'heipəθ/
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ha'p'orth

A child buys a ha'p'orth of sweets from the shopkeeper.

Definition

Noun 1. The amount of something that can be purchased for a halfpenny: A small quantity or measure of a commodity, historically equivalent to the value of a halfpenny coin. 2. (Figurative) A very small or insignificant amount: Used to emphasize a tiny quantity or a negligible degree of something.

Usage
  • Historical/Contextual Usage: Primarily used in British English to refer to a specific quantity of goods (e.g., sweets, produce) in a pre-decimal currency system. It is now largely archaic.
  • Figurative/Idiomatic Usage: Commonly used in the phrase "don't care a ha'p'orth" or similar constructions to express complete indifference or to describe something as trivial.
Examples
  • Literal (Historical):
    • The child saved his penny and spent a ha'p'orth on lemon drops.
    • In the old days, you could get a ha'p'orth of chips.
  • Figurative/Idiomatic:
    • He doesn't care a ha'p'orth for public opinion.
    • Her argument wasn't worth a ha'p'orth; it was based on pure speculation.
Advanced Usage
  • "Not a ha'p'orth of difference": Used to indicate that there is no discernible difference between two things.
    • After all that debate, there's not a ha'p'orth of difference between the two proposals.
  • "For a ha'p'orth of tar": From the proverb "Don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar," meaning do not risk the failure of a large or valuable project by trying to save a trivial amount of money or effort.
Variants and Related Words
  • Halfpennyworth (n.): The standard, non-contracted spelling of the word.
  • Pennyworth (n.): The amount that can be bought for a penny.
  • Ha'penny (n.): The halfpenny coin itself.
Synonyms
  • Mite: A very small amount or particle.
  • Whit: The smallest part or particle imaginable.
  • Jot: A very small amount.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • Don't care a ha'p'orth: To be completely unconcerned or indifferent.
    • She doesn't care a ha'p'orth about fashion trends.
  • Not worth a ha'p'orth: To be completely worthless or without value.
    • His promise turned out to be not worth a ha'p'orth.
ha'p'orth

A child buys a ha'p'orth of sweets from the shopkeeper.

Noun
  1. the amount that can be bought for a halfpenny

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