adj
C1
Advanced
apprehensive
ap-rih-HEHN-sihv
Apprehensive (adj) means Nervous or worried about something that might happen. Example: “He was apprehensive about starting his new job.”
adj
1
Nervous or worried about something that might happen.
"He was apprehensive about starting his new job."
"She felt apprehensive as the plane began to shake."
How to use apprehensive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFeeling uneasy or worried about something in the future.
Common mistake
Not the same as "aggressive" — a common mix-up for learners because of the similar sound and shape.
Common pairings
apprehensive about
feel apprehensive
apprehensive glance
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more apprehensive
- Superlative
- most apprehensive
Fill the gap
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He was _____ about starting his new job.
Etymology
From Latin apprehensivus, related to apprehendere, "to seize" — the sense shifted from "grasping mentally" to "anxious about what's coming."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for apprehensive
See all rhymes for 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.".
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