nervous

The word “nervous” means easily agitated, anxious, or worried, especially about an upcoming event. In plain terms, feeling anxious or on edge, or (in medical contexts) related to the body's nerves.

“Nervous” is pronounced NUR-vuhs (/ˈnɝːvəs/ in IPA).

Here is “nervous” used in a sentence: “She felt nervous before her first day at the new job.”

Words with a similar meaning to “nervous” include angstful, apprehensive, anxious, careful, concerned and distraught.

The opposite of “nervous” — its antonyms — are calm, intrepid, unperturbed and unworried.

“Nervous” is an adjective.

The word “nervous” comes from Latin. From Latin nervōsus ("sinewy, vigorous"), from nervus ("sinew, nerve"). The modern meaning of "anxious" developed later in English, shifting from the older sense of "full of sinew, strong.".

“Nervous” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Nervous usually describes a temporary unease before a specific event, like an exam or interview, and often fades once it passes. Anxious can mean the same thing but tends to be stronger and longer-lasting, sometimes without a clear cause. In everyday speech the two overlap, though anxious carries a heavier, more clinical weight.

Not necessarily. Nervousness is a normal response to pressure or uncertainty, and a mild dose can sharpen focus and performance before something important. It only becomes a problem when it is intense or constant enough to interfere with everyday life. In most situations feeling nervous is natural and passes quickly.

A student waiting to give a class presentation might feel their heart race, their hands shake, and their mouth go dry. Other common examples include a first date, a job interview, or a driving test. In each case the nervousness centres on an upcoming event whose outcome feels uncertain.

Nervousness is usually triggered by situations that feel important, uncertain, or beyond our control, such as public speaking, tests, or big decisions. The body reacts by releasing adrenaline, which raises the heart rate and sharpens the senses. This response is natural and generally eases once the event is over.