Marley walked with a limp as a result of weak muscles, an AILMENT that had affected him as a puppy.
n. disease; illness; any mental or physical disorder, especial- ly a mild but persistent one
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Consuela ate her dinner with ALACRITY, eager to leave to go to the movie theater.
n. eager readiness or willingness, usually demonstrated by quick and lively action
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Anyone who believes that a cottage sitting on a quarter acre of land can be turned into a mansion believes in the teachings of ALCHEMY
2. a process or power for turning one thing into a better thing as if by miraculous means
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When you ask a friend’s former girlfriend for a date, you’re likely to ALIENATE that friend. Ask a friend’s current boyfriend for a date and you’re cer- tain to alienate her.
1. to transfer land ownership to another; 2. to estrange; make unfriendly; 3. to cause to be detached or withdrawn; 4. to cause a change of affection
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The U.K. was our ALLY in both wars with Iraq.
1. to unite or join with for a certain purpose; 2. to relate by similarity of purpose, structure, or other character —n. 1. a country, group, or individual join
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It is uncommon to see a case of pure ALTRUSIM, where there is no thought of personal gain.
unselfish concern for others’ well-being
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Roxane was AMBIGUOUS in her instructions for feeding the cat while she was away so her sister had many questions.
1. having more than one possible meaning; 2. unclear; vague; indefinite
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Karen had a real AMBIVALENCE about being invited to Uncle Bob’s cabin; she loved visiting but hated the four-hour trip.
n. having conflicting feelings about a person or thing at the same time, such as love and hate
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Hawaii’s climate is an additional AMENITY of the place.
n. 1. pleasing quality; attractiveness; 2. a pleasant or desirable feature; something that adds to one’s comfort —pl. the courteous manners and pleasant acts of
