Anxiety is a common feeling that everyone experiences at some point in their life. It is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear about something that may or may not happen. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anxious.
Definitions
The term anxious is defined as a feeling of worry or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is also described as feeling nervous or apprehensive about something that may or may not happen. It is a feeling that can be mild or severe and can range from being a normal reaction to a situation to a more serious mental health condition.
Origin
The word anxious comes from the Latin word anxius, which means “worried” or “anxious.” The word has been in use since the 17th century and has evolved over time to become a common term used to describe feelings of unease or worry.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of anxious can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. According to Merriam-Webster, anxious means “characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxious as “feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.”
Associations
Anxiety is often associated with feelings of fear, worry, and unease. It can be a normal reaction to a stressful situation, such as a job interview or a first date. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or interferes with daily life, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of anxious include nervous, uneasy, worried, apprehensive, and concerned. These words are often used interchangeably with anxious to describe similar feelings of unease or worry.
Antonyms
The antonyms of anxious include calm, relaxed, and composed. These words describe a state of mind that is free from worry or unease.
The same root words
The root word of anxious is the Latin word anxius, which means “worried” or “anxious.” Other words that share the same root include anxiety, anxiousness, and anxiously.
Example Sentences
- She was anxious about the outcome of the job interview.
- He felt nervous and anxious before his first public speaking event.
- The students were anxious to get their test results.
- The mother was anxious about her child’s safety.
- He was feeling anxious and apprehensive about the upcoming surgery.
Anxious is a common feeling that everyone experiences at some point in their life. It is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear about something that may or may not happen. While anxiety can be a normal reaction to a stressful situation, it can also be a sign of an anxiety disorder when it becomes chronic or interferes with daily life. Understanding the definition and meaning of anxious can help individuals better manage their feelings and seek appropriate support when needed.