Apprehension — A Vocabulary Story
Aiman and the Deep End
Aiman stood at the edge of the big pool and stared at the deep end as if it were a hungry sea monster. Today was the day he would swim there for the very first time, and his tummy was doing somersaults of pure apprehension.
Apprehension means a feeling of worry or fear that something bad might happen. It can also mean the act of arresting or catching someone, or the ability to understand or grasp something.
"It's the same water as the shallow end," said his sister Zara, adjusting her goggles. "It's just... more of it."
That did not help.
Aiman shuffled apprehensively along the poolside, gripping his float so hard it squeaked. His swimming instructor, Miss Delgado, gave him a cheerful wave. "Ready, champ?"
"Almost," said Aiman, which was code for absolutely not.
He dipped one toe in. Then the other toe. Then he stood there for so long that a lady doing backstroke swam past him twice.
"Take your time," called Miss Delgado. "Apprehension is just your brain being extra careful. But your legs already know what to do."
Aiman took a giant breath. He thought about all the practice kicks, all the doggy paddles, all the times he'd blown bubbles until his nose fizzed. Then, before his brain could argue, he slid into the water.
He kicked. He paddled. He did NOT sink.
"I'm swimming!" he spluttered, grinning so wide he swallowed a bit of pool. "In the DEEP END!"
Zara cheered. Miss Delgado punched the air. The backstroke lady gave him a soggy thumbs up.
All that apprehension, thought Aiman, kicking proudly along, and the sea monster turned out to be just water after all.
Word Definition
apprehension
meaning
a feeling of worry or fear that something bad might happen; the act of arresting or catching someone; the ability to understand or grasp something
synonyms
anxiety · dread · unease · worry · fear
antonyms
confidence · calmness
example sentence
She felt a growing apprehension before the exam.