Anxious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
anxious
[หaล(k)สษs ]
Definitions
feeling of worry or nervousness
Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| anxious |
Describes a feeling of worry and nervousness, especially about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
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| worried |
Describes a state of concern or anxiety about something specific, usually related to potential problems or dangers.
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| nervous |
Refers to a temporary, heightened state of alertness or stress, often before a significant event or when facing a challenging situation.
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| uneasy |
Indicates a sense of discomfort or mild apprehension, often without a clear cause. It has a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- I was feeling anxious about the job interview tomorrow.
- She was anxious about the upcoming exam results.
- He became anxious when he couldn't find his keys.
eager or enthusiastic
Having a strong desire or interest in something that is about to happen.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| anxious |
This word is best used when someone is worried, nervous, or very uneasy about something that might happen. It often has a negative connotation.
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| eager |
This word is used when someone is keenly interested, excited, or very willing to do something. It has a positive connotation.
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| enthusiastic |
Use this word when someone shows intense excitement, strong interest, or passion about something. It generally has a very positive and energetic connotation.
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| keen |
This word can express strong interest or enthusiasm about something, but it can also be used in different contexts like showing sharpness or intelligence. It carries a positive or neutral connotation depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- She was anxious to start her new job.
- He was anxious for the concert to begin.
- The children were anxious to open their presents.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Anxiety can manifest both physically, as a racing heart, and mentally, as overthinking situations.
- Itโs a common reaction to stress, helping people prepare for challenges by increasing alertness.
- Various coping strategies exist, like deep breathing or talking to someone, to help manage feelings of anxiousness.
Pop Culture
- Anxiety is a central theme in many songs, reflecting the feelings of worry and unease, showing its relatability to audiences.
- Movies often portray anxious characters to add depth and realism, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with their struggles.
Literature
- Anxiety is a common theme in literature, used to explore charactersโ inner conflicts and fears, as seen in works by authors like Virginia Woolf.
- Poets like Emily Dickinson often captured the essence of anxiety in their writings, reflecting personal and societal struggles.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures have varying views on anxiety; some see it as a mental health issue, while others might interpret it as a spiritual disturbance.
- In certain societies, discussing feelings like anxiety can be taboo, making it vital to educate about mental health awareness.
Origin of 'anxious'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'anxius', which means 'troubled' or 'distressed'.
- It has roots in the prefix 'anx-' related to tightness, which reflects the sensation of tension you feel when anxious.
The word 'anxious' dates back to the 17th century and comes from the Latin word 'anxius', meaning troubled or uneasy. It has evolved over time to encompass both the sense of worry and eagerness.
See also: anxiolytic.