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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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 Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

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worry

IPA:

How to pronounce worry (audio)

Dictionary definition of worry

To experience anxiety, unease, or concern about a particular situation, event, or outcome.
"She couldn't help but worry about her upcoming job interview."

Detailed meaning of worry

When someone worries, they mentally dwell on potential problems, uncertainties, or negative outcomes, often imagining or anticipating the worst-case scenarios. It involves a state of agitation or distress, where the mind is preoccupied with troubling thoughts and apprehensions. Worrying can manifest as overthinking, ruminating, or fretting, and it typically arises from a sense of perceived threat, fear, or uncertainty. It can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, increased heart rate, or disturbed sleep. While worry can serve as a natural response to perceived dangers, excessive or chronic worrying can have detrimental effects on mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Example sentences containing worry

1. You needn't worry about the details; I've got everything under control.
2. "Don't worry," he assured her, seeing the anxiety clouding her eyes.
3. When storms rage, pets often worry and seek their owners' comfort.
4. They tell me not to worry, but uncertainty lingers always.
5. Children worry too, though their fears often go unvoiced.
6. She said, "I worry each time you're away, stay safe."
7. Amid chaos, it’s natural to worry, yet hope persists.

History and etymology of worry

The verb 'worry' has its roots in Old English, where it originated from the word 'wyrgan,' meaning to strangle or choke. In its early use, 'worry' conveyed the notion of mental distress or anxiety so intense that it felt constricting, akin to being choked by one's concerns. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English, taking on the modern sense of experiencing anxiety, unease, or concern about a particular situation, event, or outcome. The transformation of 'worry' from a physical sensation to a psychological one reflects the enduring connection between the sensation of constriction and the mental distress that characterizes the experience of worry.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb worry:

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Further usage examples of worry

1. I often worry in silence, masking fear with a smile.
2. Even in sunshine, some souls are prone to worry.
3. "If you worry, share the burden," her mother advised warmly.
4. Leaders, though stern, worry for their people's welfare.
5. Please don't worry, everything will be fine.
6. I often worry about the future and what it holds.
7. He tends to worry excessively about little things.
8. She tried not to worry, but the uncertainty was hard to ignore.
9. The doctor advised him not to worry until the test results came in.
10. I worry about the safety of my loved ones when they're traveling.
11. It's not healthy to constantly worry about what others think of you.
12. They worry about their financial situation and how to make ends meet.
13. She couldn't help but worry about her children when they were out late.
14. Worrying won't solve the problem; we need to take action.
15. I try not to let stress and worry consume my thoughts.
16. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything for you.
17. The constant barrage of negative news can make anyone worry about the state of the world.
18. The parents worry about their teenager's rebellious behavior.
19. He tends to worry about things that are beyond his control.
20. Her overprotective nature makes her worry about her children's safety constantly.
21. The impending deadline started to make him worry about finishing the project on time.
22. The thought of failure can often lead to unnecessary worry and anxiety.
23. She couldn't help but worry about what the future held for her career.

TOEFL 7, Frustration and Exasperation, Challenges and Distress, Anxiety and Fear

agonize,brood,concern,stress,torment

fear,fret,obsess,panic,stew,sweat

fret, relax, calm, reassure

eb68db_0c253f3ed47d44da98ef605556edfd65.mp3

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