The Running Dream VOCABULARY Part I

monstrosity (noun) That hairstyle is a monstrosity since it seems completely out of control and beyond the norm. SYN: outrage; atrocity ANT: usual; standard Definition: excessive, extreme or far from the normal

prosthetic (noun) Since he was involved a car accident and had to have his leg amputated, he wore a prosthetic limb. SYN: reproduction; imitation ANT: authentic; genuine Definition: an artificial device that replaces a limb

amputee (adjective) Ex. Sentence: Since he has had both legs amputated (removed), he is an amputee. SYN: detached; disconnect ANT: append; affix; fasten Definition: a person who has had his/her limb removed

blissful (adjective) The students were blissful during summer break since they were free to enjoy every day without worrying about school. SYN: harmony; enjoyment ANT: misery; sorrow; agony Definition: full of delight, pleasure or happiness

prognosis (noun) SYN: prediction; diagnosis The prognosis of her disease was not promising; she was given only two months to live. Luckily, she sought out a second doctor and he had a positive and different response and prognosis. SYN: prediction; diagnosis ANT: indecisive; hesitate; uncertain Definition: the likely outcome of an illness

desensitize (adjective/verb) The children of war were so used to hearing shooting that they had become desensitized to all the violence around them and thought fighting was normal. SYN: ruthless; callous; harsh ANT: empathetic; sincere; considerate; emotional Definition: to lose feeling or sense of something

excruciating (adjective) The woman’s excruciating headache prevented her from concentrating on her job. SYN: agony; torture ANT: pleasant; comfort Definition: extremely painful

solemnly (adverb) The woman solemnly swore to tell the truth in court as she was sworn in to testify to what she had witnessed. SYN: honest; sincere ANT: frivolous; thoughtless Definition: deeply truthful or serious

mourning (verb) Many people will wear black clothing while mourning the death of a loved one as a sign of respect and honor. SYN: grief; bereavement ANT: rejoice; happiness Definition: sadness over a loss

manipulation (noun) The little boy pretended to be sick so he would not have to help with the chores. He stayed in his room reading a book while his brothers were cleaning. SYN: influence; control ANT: honest; reliable Definition: to be in control or to persuade