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Nervy: meaning, definitions and examples

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nervy

 

[ หˆnษœrvi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavioral traits

The term 'nervy' typically refers to someone who is bold, audacious, or impudent in their actions or behavior. This word can also describe a person who is filled with nerves or anxiety. In social contexts, being 'nervy' might imply a lack of respect for social norms, often displaying a brash confidence. Variations in its meaning can lead to interpretations relating to both bravery and recklessness.

Synonyms

audacious, bold, brazen, impudent, insolent

Examples of usage

  • She had the nervy attitude to challenge her boss.
  • His nervy comments surprised everyone at the meeting.
  • It's nervy of him to speak out in such a heated discussion.
Context #2 | Adjective

physical state

In a medical context, 'nervy' may refer to conditions characterized by nervousness or anxiety, often used to describe feelings of tension or unease. People might describe themselves as feeling 'nervy' when overwhelmed by stress or apprehension. While it is less commonly used, it can also imply a heightened state of alertness or sensitivity.

Synonyms

anxious, edgy, tense

Examples of usage

  • I felt a bit nervy before my performance.
  • Her nervy disposition made her prone to panic.
  • He gets nervy in crowded places.

Translations

Translations of the word "nervy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น nervosismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเค‚เคคเฅเคฐเคฟเค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Nerven

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ saraf

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตั€ะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nerwy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ฅž็ตŒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท nerfs

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ nervios

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sinirler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ ๊ฒฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุนุตุงุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nervy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nervy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฅž็ป

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพivci

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ taugar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฝะตั€ะฒั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒ”แƒ แƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sinir

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ nervios

Word origin

The word 'nervy' emerges from the mid-19th century and has its roots in the word 'nerve,' which originates from the Latin 'nervus' meaning 'sinew' or 'strength.' Initially, 'nerve' referred directly to the physiological parts of the body responsible for transmitting signals within the nervous system. Over time, the word evolved into metaphorical uses denoting courage and audacity, highlighting the connection between physical nerve and mental bravery. 'Nervy' picked up idiomatic meanings in the late 1800s in American English, where it adopted meanings related to boldness, brashness, and sometimes disdainful audacity. The interplay between the physical and mental aspects of being 'nervy' showcases the word's dual nature, where it can denote both bravery in confronting situations and a heightened state of anxiety.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,678, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.