Vocabulary in The Fault in Our Stars

Clinically diagnosed with depression, a medical condition causing persistent sadness and loss of interest — used here in its medical sense, not just as casual slang for feeling sad.

A fatal flaw or error in a tragic hero that leads to their downfall; borrowed from ancient Greek drama and used in the novel to describe a character's defining weakness.

Focused entirely on one's own existence and feelings to the exclusion of others; the view that only one's own mind is real or important.

Used ironically in the novel to describe the forced positivity and motivational slogans pushed on cancer patients in support groups, which the narrator finds hollow.

Describing cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body, making it harder or impossible to cure.

A thin tube inserted into the body to deliver oxygen or medication; in this novel it refers to the nasal tube Hazel wears to supply supplemental oxygen.

Inspirational posters or slogans displayed in the cancer support group meeting room, treated by the narrator with sarcasm because they feel patronizing.

The state of being completely forgotten or ceasing to exist; used in the novel as a philosophical concept about what happens to people and their memories after death.

Describing a task that is endless and futile, like the Greek myth of Sisyphus who was condemned to roll a boulder uphill forever only to watch it roll back down.

In a way that relates to the fundamental questions of human existence, meaning, and mortality — used here to describe a deep, philosophical level of threat or dread.

Saying the same thing twice in different words without adding new meaning; a circular statement that proves nothing because it just repeats itself.

Showy and designed to impress others; displaying wealth, knowledge, or ability in a way that is meant to attract attention and admiration.

A diagram using overlapping circles to show what two groups have in common; used figuratively in the novel to describe the overlap between different kinds of people or experiences.

A psychological response in which a captive develops positive feelings toward their captor; used loosely in the novel to describe becoming attached to something that harms you.

A short, memorable statement expressing a general truth or observation; a pithy saying, often used in the novel to describe the kind of inspirational phrases the characters mock.

Great depth of insight, knowledge, or meaning; the quality of being intellectually or emotionally deep and serious.

The appearance of being true or real; how convincingly a story or statement resembles actual life and truth.

Having an unusual interest in or preoccupation with death, disease, or unpleasant subjects; used in the novel without full negative judgment, simply describing the characters' frank talk about dying.

Treating an abstract idea as if it were a concrete, real thing; making something intangible seem solid and object-like.

A collection or gathering of people or things brought together; used in the novel to describe a group of people assembled in one place.

Small gaps or spaces between things; used figuratively to describe the in-between moments or spaces in life that are easy to overlook.

To speak or write in high praise of someone, especially at a funeral; to deliver a formal tribute honoring a person's life and qualities.

Gross injustice or wickedness; a deeply unfair or morally wrong act or condition — used in the novel in the context of the unfairness of dying young.