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nervous

Nervous (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈnɜr vəs/

What does nervous mean?

Anxiety, unease, or apprehension.
"The athlete's nervous energy was palpable before the big game."

Detailed Meaning of Nervous

When someone is nervous, they experience heightened sensitivity or vulnerability to stress, uncertainty, or upcoming events. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fidgeting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, or trembling. Nervousness can arise in various situations, including public speaking, job interviews, or important exams, where one's performance or outcome is at stake. It can also stem from a general sense of unease or worry about uncertain or unfamiliar circumstances. The adjective "nervous" implies a temporary or transient state of anxiety, typically related to a specific event or context, rather than a long-term disposition. While nervousness can be uncomfortable, it is a natural response to stress and is commonly experienced by individuals in various aspects of their lives.

Example Sentences for Nervous

1. She felt nervous before her first day at the new job.
2. The student was nervous about the upcoming exam.
3. He had a nervous smile on his face as he prepared to give his presentation.
4. The actress had butterflies in her stomach, feeling nervous before her stage performance.
5. The job interview made him feel nervous and sweaty.
6. The tense atmosphere in the room made everyone a bit nervous.

Origin and Etymology of Nervous

The adjective 'nervous' in the context of anxiety, unease, or apprehension has its roots in the Latin word 'nervosus,' which is derived from 'nervus,' meaning sinew or tendon. In this case, the etymology takes a somewhat different path. Originally, 'nervous' was used to describe conditions related to the nerves or sinews of the body, often referring to conditions of physical tension or strain. However, as our understanding of psychology and the mind evolved, the term gradually came to encompass the mental and emotional aspects associated with a state of unease or apprehension. This shift reflects the connection between physical sensations and emotional states, where tension in the body could manifest as anxiety or nervousness. Thus, the adjective 'nervous' carries with it the historical link between the physical and emotional aspects of being ill at ease.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective nervous:

relaxed

anxious

calm

composed

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Nervous

1. The student's hands shook with nervous anticipation as the teacher handed out the graded papers.
2. She felt a nervous knot in her stomach as she approached the roller coaster.
3. The cat's nervous behavior indicated its discomfort in the new environment.
4. The nervous dog barked and hid behind its owner during the thunderstorm.
5. The politician's nervous laughter betrayed his unease during the press conference.
6. She felt nervous before the important job interview.
7. His nervous laughter betrayed his discomfort.
8. The tense atmosphere made everyone nervous.
9. I sensed her nervous energy in the room.
10. The impending storm made me nervous.
11. He appeared nervous about the upcoming test.
12. The awkward silence left them both feeling nervous.
13. She was visibly nervous at the thought of public speaking.
14. Their nervous glances exchanged unspoken worries.
15. The uncertain future made them all a bit nervous.
16. The unfamiliar surroundings made me feel nervous.
17. He couldn't hide his nervous anticipation.
18. Nervous excitement filled the air before the big game.
19. The eerie silence made them all nervous.
20. She tried to conceal her nervous twitch.
21. The sudden noise made him jump, feeling nervous.
22. Their nervous expressions mirrored the uncertainty.
23. The dark alleyway left her feeling nervous.
24. The unresolved issue kept him up, feeling nervous.
25. The eerie calmness of the forest made them nervous.