nerve
2 antonyms for nerve — opposites grouped by meaning.
Noun — A fiber-like bundle in the body that carries signals between the brain and other parts of the body.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A fiber-like bundle in the body that carries signals between the brain and other parts of the body.
“A trapped nerve in her neck made it painful to turn her head.”
2. noun
Courage or boldness, especially in a difficult or risky situation.
“He lost his nerve at the top of the diving board.”
Opposites
Antonyms
How to use nerve
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
get on someone's nerves
lose your nerve
nerve-wracking
a bundle of nerves
Etymology
From Latin nervus ("sinew, nerve"), via Medieval Latin. A doublet of "sinew" and "neuron."
Full origin of nerve →Frequently asked questions
What does “nerve” mean?
The word “nerve” means a fiber-like bundle in the body that carries signals between the brain and other parts of the body. In plain terms, either the biological fiber that carries signals in the body, or the courage/anxiety associated with the same word.
How do you pronounce “nerve”?
“Nerve” is pronounced nurv (/nɝv/ in IPA).
How do you use “nerve” in a sentence?
Here is “nerve” used in a sentence: “The surgeon worked carefully to avoid damaging the nerve.”
What part of speech is “nerve”?
Depending on how it is used, “nerve” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “nerve” come from?
The word “nerve” comes from Medieval Latin. From Latin nervus ("sinew, nerve"), via Medieval Latin. A doublet of "sinew" and "neuron.".
Is “nerve” a common word?
“Nerve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “nerve” have?
“Nerve” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fiber-like bundle in the body that carries signals between the brain and other parts of the body.
What is the difference between a 'nerve' and a 'vein'?
A nerve is a fiber-like bundle that carries signals between the brain and other parts of the body. A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart, so the two serve completely different functions despite both running through the body.
Does 'nerve' mean courage or rudeness?
It can mean either, depending on context. 'She had the nerve to speak up' praises courage or boldness, while 'He had the nerve to ask for more' implies cheek or audacity that the speaker disapproves of.
