Apprehensively: meaning, definitions and examples

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apprehensively

[ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪvli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

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. She looked at the dark alley apprehensively, unsure of what might be lurking in the shadows. He waited apprehensively for the results of his medical tests.
nervously	Used when someone is showing feelings of nervousness, often physically, such as fidgeting or sweating. He paced nervously before going on stage for his performance. She laughed nervously at the awkward silence during the interview.
anxiously	Used when someone is feeling strong worry or unease, often mixed with a sense of urgency. She anxiously checked her phone for messages all morning. They waited anxiously to hear if they had gotten the job.
worriedly	Used when someone is visibly showing concern or worry about a particular problem or situation. He glanced worriedly at the clock, realizing they were running out of time. She asked worriedly if her friend was feeling okay.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

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. She looked around the dark room apprehensively, not sure what she might find
suspiciously	Use this word when someone is showing distrust or cautiousness, often implying a negative connotation. She eyed the stranger suspiciously, not trusting his intentions
doubtfully	Use this word when someone is showing a lack of conviction or confidence in something. He gazed doubtfully at the old car, unsure if it would start after all these years
warily	Use this word when someone is being careful or on guard to avoid danger or trouble. The cat approached the stranger warily, ready to bolt at any sudden movement

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "apprehensively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apreensivamente

🇮🇳 चिंतित होकर

🇩🇪 besorgt

🇮🇩 dengan cemas

🇺🇦 насторожено

🇵🇱 z niepokojem

🇯🇵 不安そうに

🇫🇷 avec inquiétude

🇪🇸 con aprensión

🇹🇷 endişeyle

🇰🇷 불안하게

🇸🇦 بقلق

🇨🇿 z obavami

🇸🇰 s obavami

🇨🇳 担忧地

🇸🇮 z zaskrbljenostjo

🇮🇸 með áhyggjum

🇰🇿 алаңдаушылықпен

🇬🇪 შეშფოთებით

🇦🇿 narahatlıqla

🇲🇽 con aprensión

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,949 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30946 bantering
30947 buttoning
30948 savoured
30949 apprehensively
30950 flouting
30951 tyro
30952 tinfoil
...