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Nervously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฌ
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nervously

[หˆnษœหvษ™sli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

feeling

In a way that shows or is characterized by nervousness or anxiety.

Synonyms

anxiously, apprehensively, worriedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nervously

Use this word when someone shows signs of nervousness or agitation, typically due to anticipation or excitement.

  • She nervously tapped her foot while waiting for her turn to speak
anxiously

This word applies when someone is experiencing anxiety or eager concern about an uncertain outcome.

  • He anxiously checked his watch, wondering if she would arrive on time
apprehensively

This word is used when someone feels worried that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.

  • She looked apprehensively at the dark clouds gathering overhead
worriedly

This word describes someone who is feeling or showing worry or concern, often about a specific situation.

  • He worriedly glanced at his phone, waiting for news from his family

Examples of usage

  • She smiled nervously, not knowing what to expect.
  • He drummed his fingers nervously on the table.
  • I laughed nervously, trying to cover up my embarrassment.
Context #2 | Adverb

action

In a way that is done with nervousness or anxiety.

Synonyms

jitterily, tensely, uneasily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nervously

Appropriate for situations where someone feels anxious or tense due to worry or fear.

  • She waited nervously for her turn to speak
  • He laughed nervously, unsure of what to say next
tensely

Best used in situations where there is a palpable feeling of tension or stress, often due to a high-stakes scenario.

  • The room was tensely silent during the final moments of the game
  • They sat tensely, awaiting the judge's decision
uneasily

Ideal for describing a feeling of discomfort or awkwardness in uncertain or troubling situations.

  • She glanced uneasily at the dark clouds approaching
  • They shifted uneasily in their seats as the argument unfolded
jitterily

Used when someone feels anxious and fidgety, often due to excessive caffeine or nervous excitement. It has a slightly informal tone.

  • After three cups of coffee, he was jitterily pacing around the office
  • She jitterily tapped her foot while waiting for the interview

Examples of usage

  • She spoke nervously, stumbling over her words.
  • He paced nervously back and forth in the room.
  • They waited nervously for the test results to come back.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Nervousness is a common response to stress, activating the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to physical symptoms like sweat or a racing heartbeat.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often helps individuals manage nervousness by changing negative thought patterns that amplify anxious feelings.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Mean Girls' and 'The Breakfast Club' often portray characters experiencing nervous moments, illustrating the awkwardness of teenage life.
  • Songs about nervous feelings, like 'Nervous' by Shawn Mendes, capture the relatable experience of feeling anxious about romantic situations.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often exhibit nervous behavior during pivotal moments, highlighting their internal struggles and fears, such as in 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger.
  • Famous authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald used nervous protagonists to explore themes of social anxiety and the pressures of conformity in 'The Great Gatsby.'

Biology

  • Nervous reactions can be linked to the brainโ€™s amygdala, which processes emotions and triggers feelings of fear or anxiety when faced with perceived threats.
  • The prevalence of nervousness is influenced by genetics; some individuals may be predisposed to anxious feelings due to hereditary factors.

Origin of 'nervously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'nervously' comes from the Latin word 'nervosus', meaning 'sinewy' or 'vigorous', but in English, it relates to anxiety.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, evolving to describe the mental state of being anxious or apprehensive.

The word nervously is derived from the adjective nervous, which comes from the Latin word nervosus, meaning 'sinewy' or 'full of nerves'. Over time, the meaning of nervous has evolved to refer to a state of agitation or anxiety. The adverb nervously is used to describe actions or behaviors that are indicative of nervousness or anxiety.

See also: nervousness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,507, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.