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apprehensive

Adjective

IPA /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/

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Meaning in plain English

Worried or nervous about something that is going to happen because you think it may be unpleasant or difficult.

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Pronunciation

apprehensive/ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/

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I felt apprehensive before driving alone for the first time.
She was apprehensive about presenting her research to a large audience.

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I felt ________ before driving alone for the first time.

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apprehensive — Worried or nervous about something that is going to happen because you think it may be unpleasant or difficult.

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Worried or nervous about something that is going to happen because you think it may be unpleasant or difficult.

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Word origin

From French appréhensif or Medieval Latin apprehensivus, ultimately from Latin apprehendere, meaning to seize or grasp.

Did you know?

Apprehensively is the adverb: someone might wait apprehensively for important news.

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