Nervousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nervousness

[ˈnɜːrvəsnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of anxiety

Nervousness is the state of being easily agitated or anxious, often resulting from a combination of fear and uncertainty. It can manifest in physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or increased heart rate.

Synonyms

anxiety, edginess, tension.

Examples of usage

  • I could feel the nervousness creeping in as I waited for the interview to start.
  • Her nervousness was evident in the way she tapped her foot repeatedly.
Context #2 | Noun

state of unease

Nervousness can also refer to a general state of unease or discomfort, usually related to a specific situation or event. It may cause a sense of restlessness or a lack of confidence.

Synonyms

apprehension, discomfort, uneasiness.

Examples of usage

  • The nervousness she felt before the performance was overwhelming.
  • The nervousness in the room was palpable as they awaited the exam results.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Nervousness can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, releasing adrenaline which heightens awareness but can also cause anxiety.
  • People with social anxiety disorder often experience intense nervousness in social situations, which can impact daily life.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one way to help manage excessive nervousness, focusing on changing negative thought patterns.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, nervous characters often fidget, sweat, or stumble over their words, dramatically showing their inner turmoil.
  • Nervousness is a common theme in stand-up comedy, where comedians often share personal stories of their own anxious moments before performing.

Science

  • Research shows that practice and familiarity can reduce nervousness, as the brain strengthens pathways that lessen anxiety over time.
  • Studies have found that deep breathing techniques can help calm the physical symptoms associated with nervousness, slowing heart rate.

Literature

  • Nervousness often appears in literature to portray a character's vulnerability, enhancing their depth and relatability.
  • Many classic stories detail a 'nervous villain' trope, where the antagonist's anxiety leads to their downfall due to overthinking their plans.

Origin of 'nervousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'nervous' comes from the Latin term 'nervosus,' meaning 'sinewy' or 'tough', originally referring to the nerves in the body.
  • In the early 1800s, 'nervous' began to be used to describe emotional states in English, indicating a connection between physical and mental sensations.

The word 'nervousness' originated from the Middle English word 'nervous,' which meant easily agitated or distressed. It evolved from the Latin word 'nervosus,' derived from 'nervus' meaning nerve. The concept of nervousness has been present throughout history, often associated with feelings of fear or uncertainty.


See also: nervously.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,294, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.