Apprehensive is a word that is often used to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that may happen in the future. It is a common emotion that many people experience, and it can be caused by a variety of different situations. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of apprehensive, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of how it can be used in sentences.
Definitions
The word apprehensive is an adjective that is often used to describe a feeling of anxiety or unease about something that may happen in the future. It can also be used to describe someone who is hesitant or unsure about something. Some other definitions of apprehensive include:
- Feeling fearful or anxious about something that may happen in the future.
- Feeling worried or concerned about something.
- Feeling uncertain or hesitant about something.
Origin
The word apprehensive comes from the Latin word apprehendere, which means “to seize” or “to grasp.” In English, the word began to be used in the 17th century to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen in the future.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, apprehensive means “anxious or fearful about the future; uneasy.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.”
Associations
The word apprehensive is often associated with feelings of anxiety, fear, worry, and uncertainty. It can be used to describe someone who is hesitant or unsure about something, or to describe a situation that may cause anxiety or unease.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of apprehensive include:
- Worried.
- Anxious.
- Nervous.
- Uneasy.
- Concerned.
- Hesitant.
- Uncertain.
- Jittery.
- Edgy.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of apprehensive include:
- Confident.
- Calm.
- Relaxed.
- Assured.
- Composed.
- Unconcerned.
- Carefree.
The same root words
Some words that have the same root as apprehensive include apprehend, apprehension, and apprehensible. These words all come from the Latin word apprehendere, which means “to seize” or “to grasp.”
Example Sentences
- She was apprehensive about taking the test.
- He felt apprehensive about the upcoming meeting.
- The thought of speaking in front of a large audience made her apprehensive.
- I’m a bit apprehensive about trying a new restaurant.
- The uncertain future of the economy has left many people apprehensive.