Nerve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nerve
[nɜːrv ]
Definitions
anatomy
A nerve is a bundle of fibers that transmit signals between the brain and other parts of the body. Nerves play a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system.
Synonyms
nerve cell, nerve fiber, neuron.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nerve |
It's the same word but also can mean 'audacity' or 'boldness' in a more informal and sometimes negative sense.
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| nerve fiber |
Refers to the long, thread-like part of a nerve cell along which impulses travel. This term is typically used in anatomical, physiological, and medical contexts.
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| nerve cell |
Used in scientific and medical contexts to specifically refer to neurons, which are cells that transmit nerve impulses. This term is more technical and precise.
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| neuron |
Another term for 'nerve cell' but more commonly used in scientific literature and research. It's frequently used when discussing brain function, neuroscience, and cellular biology.
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Examples of usage
- Damage to the nerve in his leg caused numbness and tingling.
- The doctor used a small needle to test the sensitivity of her nerves.
courage
Nerve can also refer to the courage or bravery to face difficult or dangerous situations. It is the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nerve |
Nerve can also imply audacity or cheekiness, and in some contexts, it has a negative connotation, suggesting someone is being overly forward or rude.
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| courage |
Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. It is broader than bravery and can apply to both physical and mental challenges.
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| bravery |
Bravery refers to the quality of being ready to face and endure danger or pain. It suggests valor and is often associated with physical confrontations or acts of heroism.
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| boldness |
Boldness is used to describe behavior that is confident, willing to take risks, and is often unconventional. It has a positive connotation when referring to actions that challenge the status quo.
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Examples of usage
- She showed incredible nerve in standing up to the bully.
- It takes a lot of nerve to perform in front of a large audience.
informal
As a verb, nerve means to give someone the courage or confidence to do something.
Synonyms
embolden, encourage, strengthen.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nerve |
Typically used in situations where someone needs to gather courage, often in preparation for a challenging or frightening task.
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| encourage |
Used when someone wants to offer support, confidence, or hope to another person, generally in a positive and supportive manner.
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| embolden |
Applied when someone gains the confidence to act more boldly, often as a result of external support or encouragement.
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| strengthen |
Refers to making someone or something stronger, both in a physical and metaphorical sense, often applicable to muscles, relationships, or resolve.
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Examples of usage
- His pep talk really nerved me up for the job interview.
- She nerved herself to ask for a promotion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Nerves are made up of neurons, which are specialized cells that transmit electrical signals throughout the body.
- There are two main types of nerves: sensory nerves (which send information to the brain) and motor nerves (which relay commands from the brain to muscles).
- The vagus nerve, one of the longest in the body, plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate and digestion.
Cultural Significance
- In psychology, the phrase 'having the nerve' has become synonymous with courage or boldness in facing challenges.
- Artists and musicians often speak about taking risks as putting their 'nerves on the line' in creative processes, linking the term to emotional bravery.
- In popular culture, various movies and songs reference the idea of 'nerves' to illustrate moments of fear and courage.
Psychology
- The term is often used in discussions about anxiety, where individuals may feel they lack the 'nerve' to face certain situations.
- Studies suggest that the way we perceive challenges can impact our physical response, such as the fight or flight reaction linked to nerve function.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy often encourages developing a 'nerve' to confront fears, highlighting the psychological aspects of bravado and resilience.
Medicine
- Nerve injuries can lead to conditions like neuropathy, which can cause pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
- The nervous system plays a vital role in reflex actions; when you touch something hot, nerves immediately send a signal to pull away.
- Research in neurology focuses on developing ways to repair damaged nerves to restore function in affected individuals.
Origin of 'nerve'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin word 'nervus', meaning 'sinew' or 'tendon', linking it to strength and connection.
- In Middle English, 'nerve' referred to both nervous tissue and metaphorical strength, showing how the word evolved in meaning.
- The initial uses focused on both physical and emotional strength, indicating the dual nature of the term in expressing bravery and physical function.
The word 'nerve' originated in the 14th century from the Latin word 'nervus', meaning 'sinew, tendon, nerve'. It has evolved over time to encompass both the anatomical and courage-related meanings that we use today.