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jittery

Jittery (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈdʒɪt ə ri/

What does jittery mean?

Nervousness, restlessness, or unease.
"She felt jittery before her big presentation, her hands shaking slightly as she prepared."

Detailed Meaning of Jittery

When someone is jittery, they often exhibit signs of trembling, fidgeting, or having an overall sense of anxiety. It can be a result of various factors, such as stress, anticipation, or fear. Jitteriness may manifest physically, with shaky hands, an increased heart rate, or an inability to sit still. Emotionally, it may be accompanied by feelings of unease, apprehension, or an exaggerated startle response. The term "jittery" suggests a temporary or transient state of heightened sensitivity and nervousness, often due to a specific situation or circumstance. It is commonly associated with being on edge or feeling a sense of inner tension. Individuals experiencing jitteriness may find it challenging to relax or concentrate as their nervous energy becomes a noticeable presence.

Example Sentences for Jittery

1. She felt jittery before her big presentation, her hands shaking slightly.
2. The loud noise made the dog nervous and jittery.
3. He drank too much coffee, which made him feel jittery and restless.
4. The actor's jittery performance indicated stage fright.
5. The students were jittery before taking their final exams.
6. The caffeine in the energy drink made him feel jittery and on edge.

Origin and Etymology of Jittery

The adjective 'jittery' has its etymological origins in the word 'jitter,' which first emerged in American English during the early 20th century. 'Jitter' is believed to be an onomatopoeic term, mimicking the shaky or trembling movements associated with nervousness or restlessness. This word gained popularity in the context of jittery nerves or jitters, describing a state of unease or nervousness. Over time, the suffix '-y' was added to 'jitter' to create 'jittery,' turning it into an adjective to describe individuals or situations characterized by nervousness, restlessness, or unease. The word's etymology vividly captures the sensation it represents, evoking the trembling and unsettled feelings often experienced in anxious or apprehensive moments.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective jittery:

anxious

composed

calm

relaxed

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Jittery

1. The suspenseful music in the movie made the audience feel jittery and anxious.
2. The upcoming job interview made her feel jittery and apprehensive.
3. The car ride on the bumpy road left her feeling jittery and unsettled.
4. The jittery stock market caused investors to be cautious and uncertain.
5. The unexpected thunderstorm made the horses jittery and skittish.
6. The airplane turbulence made some passengers feel jittery and uneasy.
7. He was jittery about meeting his partner's parents for the first time.
8. The constant pressure at work left her feeling jittery and stressed.
9. The horror movie left her feeling jittery, jumping at every sudden sound.
10. The new medication made him feel jittery and unable to sleep.
11. The public speaking event made him feel jittery, with butterflies in his stomach.
12. The dark alley made her feel jittery and vulnerable, quickening her pace.
13. The loud fireworks made the young child jittery and frightened.
14. The upcoming surgery made her feel jittery, as she had never undergone a procedure before.
15. The caffeine made him feel jittery and restless, unable to sit still.
16. The unexpected noise made the dog nervous and jittery, causing it to bark incessantly.
17. He couldn't hide his jittery excitement as he awaited the results of the job interview.
18. The actress admitted feeling jittery backstage before her first live performance.
19. The anticipation of the roller coaster ride made her feel jittery with a mix of fear and excitement.
20. The loud thunderstorm made the young child feel jittery and seek comfort from their parents.
21. The tight deadline made the team members jittery as they worked tirelessly to meet it.
22. The jittery anticipation of meeting his favorite author made him unable to sleep the night before.
23. The detective's jittery behavior raised suspicions among the other officers.
24. The bumpy flight left the passengers feeling jittery and gripping their armrests tightly.
25. The uncertain outcome of the election made the entire nation feel jittery and anxious.