Nervous: meaning, definitions and examples

When you feel uneasy or agitated, often before an important event or when speaking in front of people.

• She felt nervous before her big presentation
• He gets nervous when flying

When you feel worried and uneasy about something that might happen in the future, often with a sense of urgency. Generally, ‘anxious’ has a stronger and more prolonged emotional state than ‘nervous’.

• He's anxious about the results of his medical tests
• She felt anxious waiting for her turn in the interview

When you feel troubled or concerned about actual or potential problems. This feeling can vary in intensity and duration.

• She is worried about her health
• Parents often feel worried when their children don’t return on time

When you have a feeling of fear or concern about something unpleasant that might happen. It generally implies a more thoughtful, anticipatory kind of fear.

• He felt apprehensive about the new job
• They were apprehensive about moving to a new city

Use when someone feels worried or anxious about something, often in a general sense or when anticipating a specific event.

• She felt nervous before her job interview
• He's always nervous when he has to speak in public

Use when someone is visibly upset or disturbed, often showing physical signs like restlessness or anger.

• After the argument, he was too agitated to focus on work
• The news made him agitated and frustrated

Use when someone is surprised or shocked by something sudden and unexpected.

• The loud bang startled her
• He was startled when someone tapped him on the shoulder in the dark

Use when someone feels a physical sense of restlessness or shakiness, often due to anxiety, fear, or too much caffeine.

• She felt jittery after drinking too much coffee
• The unexpected noise made him jittery