Apprehensively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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apprehensively
[ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪvli ]
Definitions
feeling or showing fear or anxiety about the future
Feeling or showing fear or anxiety about the future. It is often used to describe someone who is nervous or worried about what might happen.
Synonyms
anxiously, nervously, worriedly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apprehensively |
Used when someone is feeling nervous about something that might happen and there is a sense of caution.
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| nervously |
Used when someone is showing feelings of nervousness, often physically, such as fidgeting or sweating.
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| anxiously |
Used when someone is feeling strong worry or unease, often mixed with a sense of urgency.
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| worriedly |
Used when someone is visibly showing concern or worry about a particular problem or situation.
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Examples of usage
- She looked apprehensively at the dark alley.
- He waited apprehensively for the results of the test.
- The dog approached apprehensively, unsure of the stranger.
- We listened apprehensively to the approaching footsteps.
- I glanced apprehensively at the storm clouds gathering overhead.
with suspicion or doubt
With suspicion or doubt. It is often used to describe someone who is skeptical or wary of a situation or person.
Synonyms
doubtfully, suspiciously, warily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| apprehensively |
Use this word when someone is feeling anxious or worried about something that might happen.
|
| suspiciously |
Use this word when someone is showing distrust or cautiousness, often implying a negative connotation.
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| doubtfully |
Use this word when someone is showing a lack of conviction or confidence in something.
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| warily |
Use this word when someone is being careful or on guard to avoid danger or trouble.
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Examples of usage
- He eyed her apprehensively, not sure if he could trust her.
- She listened to his story apprehensively, wondering if he was telling the truth.
- The villagers watched apprehensively as the strangers approached.
- I signed the contract apprehensively, unsure of the terms and conditions.
- They accepted the offer apprehensively, concerned about hidden clauses.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling apprehensive is often linked to anxiety and can trigger physical reactions like a racing heart or sweating.
- Situations that promote apprehension may include public speaking, job interviews, or meeting new people.
- Apprehension serves as a psychological signal, helping individuals prepare for potential challenges or dangers.
Literature
- Many authors use characters who feel apprehensively to generate tension and foreshadow potential conflict.
- Apprehension can be a key theme in Gothic literature, with settings and atmospheres enhancing the feeling of dread.
- Classic stories often depict protagonists facing impending doom, heightening the sense of apprehensiveness among readers.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often display apprehensive behavior before key plot twists, enhancing suspense.
- Television shows frequently depict apprehensive moments to connect viewers emotionally with the characters' experiences.
- Songs about love often explore themes of apprehension, as singers express worry about vulnerability and heartbreak.
Everyday Life
- Experiencing apprehensiveness can be common before major life events, like starting a new job or moving to a new city.
- People often share their feelings of apprehension in social settings, creating solidarity around uncertainties.
- Tackling daily tasks like flying, traveling, or even meeting a new friend can evoke feelings of apprehension in many individuals.
Origin of 'apprehensively'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize or grasp'.
- In the 15th century, it evolved in English to signify both fear and understanding.
- The prefix 'ap-' suggests a direction, while 'prehend' relates to seizing something, merging the ideas of grasping and unease.
The word 'apprehensively' is derived from the verb 'apprehend', which comes from the Old French word 'aprehender' meaning 'to grasp, seize'. Over time, it has evolved to also include the connotation of understanding or perceiving. The adverb 'apprehensively' captures the sense of fear, anxiety, suspicion, or doubt that is associated with the act of apprehending something. It is often used to describe a cautious or uneasy attitude towards a situation or person.