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Jittery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jittery

[หˆdส’ษชtษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling anxious or nervous

Feeling jittery can be a common symptom of caffeine intake or stressful situations. It is characterized by restlessness, shaky hands, and an overall sense of unease.

Synonyms

anxious, edgy, nervous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jittery

This word is often used to describe someone who is feeling very nervous or tense, often in a way that makes them fidgety or restless.

  • He felt jittery before his big presentation.
  • The caffeine made her feel jittery.
nervous

This word is commonly used to describe someone who is experiencing fear or worry, often in situations where they are uncertain or under pressure. It can be both temporary and related to specific events.

  • She was nervous before her job interview.
  • He gets nervous when speaking in public.
anxious

This word is used when someone is experiencing worry or fear about something that may happen. It can range from mild unease to intense worry.

  • She is anxious about her upcoming exams.
  • He felt anxious waiting for the test results.
edgy

This word is used when someone is tense or irritable, often in a way that may make them easily startled or upset.

  • He's been feeling edgy since the accident.
  • The constant noise made her feel edgy.

Examples of usage

  • I always feel jittery before giving a presentation.
  • She felt jittery after drinking too much coffee.
Context #2 | Adjective

having quick, jerky movements

The cat was jittery, constantly twitching its tail and ears. Jittery movements can be a sign of hyperactivity or agitation.

Synonyms

agitated, jerky, nervous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jittery

Used when someone feels anxious or shaky, often due to stress or caffeine. It describes a nervous and jumpy feeling.

  • I always get jittery before giving a speech.
  • Too much coffee makes me feel jittery.
jerky

Used to describe sudden, sharp, and uneven movements. It is often used for physical actions or mechanical movements.

  • The ride was quite jerky on the old bus.
  • His jerky movements suggested he was nervous.
nervous

Used when someone feels uneasy or apprehensive, often in anticipation of something. This is a more neutral term compared to 'agitated' or 'jittery'.

  • She felt nervous before her job interview.
  • He gets nervous around large dogs.
agitated

Used when someone is visibly disturbed or upset, often due to anger or frustration. It suggests a heightened emotional state.

  • He was visibly agitated after the argument.
  • The news about the delay agitated the crowd.

Examples of usage

  • The squirrel made jittery movements as it searched for food.
  • His jittery behavior made it hard to concentrate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling jittery can often stem from anxiety or stress, indicating the body's fight or flight response.
  • Psychologists link jitteriness to the adrenal glands releasing hormones such as adrenaline, which prepare the body for action.
  • Being jittery can hinder the ability to focus, as the body is in a heightened state of alertness.

Pop Culture

  • The feeling of being jittery has been depicted in various movies and TV shows, often illustrating characters before big events like tests or performances.
  • Musicians and performers often talk about having 'jittery' nerves right before they go on stage to entertain.
  • The term has also been used in songs to describe feelings of excitement mixed with anxiety.

Health

  • Excessive caffeine consumption is a common cause of jitteriness, leading to feelings of anxiety and restlessness.
  • Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, can also make individuals feel jittery due to increased energy levels.
  • Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can help alleviate jittery feelings.

Everyday Life

  • Many people experience jittery feelings before important situations, like giving a speech or going on a first date.
  • Some athletes report feeling jittery before competitions, seeing it as a sign of readiness and heightened awareness.
  • The sensation can also be part of excitement, such as anticipating a fun event, showing that it's not always negative.

Origin of 'jittery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jittery' comes from the mid-20th century, likely originating from 'jitter', which means to shake or tremble.
  • It may also be connected to the term 'jitters', which described feelings of nervousness or excitement.
  • In the 1950s, the term began to describe a sensation often linked with excessive caffeine intake.

The word 'jittery' is derived from the noun 'jitter', which originated in the early 20th century in American English. It is believed to be an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the quick, jerky movements associated with the feeling of being jittery.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,502, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.