apprehensive
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for apprehensive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Nervous or worried about something that might happen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use apprehensive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
apprehensive about
feel apprehensive
apprehensive glance
Etymology
From Latin apprehensivus, related to apprehendere, "to seize" — the sense shifted from "grasping mentally" to "anxious about what's coming."
Full origin of apprehensive →Frequently asked questions
What does “apprehensive” mean?
The word “apprehensive” means nervous or worried about something that might happen. In plain terms, feeling uneasy or worried about something in the future.
How do you pronounce “apprehensive”?
“Apprehensive” is pronounced ap-rih-HEHN-sihv (/ˌæpɹɪˈhɛnsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “apprehensive” in a sentence?
Here is “apprehensive” used in a sentence: “He was apprehensive about starting his new job.”
What part of speech is “apprehensive”?
“Apprehensive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “apprehensive” come from?
The word “apprehensive” comes from Latin. From Latin apprehensivus, related to apprehendere, "to seize" — the sense shifted from "grasping mentally" to "anxious about what's coming.".
