noun

trepidation

trehp-ih-DAY-shuhn

Trepidation (noun) means a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that is about to happen. Example: “She approached the interview with a mix of excitement and trepidation.”

noun

A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that is about to happen.

"She approached the interview with a mix of excitement and trepidation."

"He opened the exam results with trepidation."

How to use trepidation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nervous, uneasy feeling about something uncertain that is coming up.

Easily confused with

trepidation vs anticipation

Common pairings

with trepidation a sense of trepidation fear and trepidation

Word forms

trepidations plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “trepidation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She approached the interview with a mix of excitement and _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin trepidatio, from trepidare, "to be agitated or alarmed."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for trepidation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

See all rhymes for trepidation →

Frequently asked questions

What does “trepidation” mean?

The word “trepidation” means a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that is about to happen. In plain terms, a nervous, uneasy feeling about something uncertain that is coming up.

How do you pronounce “trepidation”?

“Trepidation” is pronounced trehp-ih-DAY-shuhn (/ˌtɹɛp.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “trepidation” in a sentence?

Here is “trepidation” used in a sentence: “She approached the interview with a mix of excitement and trepidation.”

What part of speech is “trepidation”?

“Trepidation” is a noun.

Where does the word “trepidation” come from?

The word “trepidation” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin trepidatio, from trepidare, "to be agitated or alarmed.".