Meaning & Definition of word "Apprehensive"

Apprehensive

/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/

adjective:

  • 1. Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
    • Example: She felt apprehensive about the upcoming exam.
  • 2. Having a quick understanding or perceiving something quickly.
    • Example: The apprehensive student was quick to grasp the complex concepts presented in class.

Etymology

From late Latin 'apprehensivus', from Latin 'apprehendere' meaning 'to seize' or 'to understand'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

feeling apprehensive:

Experiencing anxiety or worry about a possible future event.

apprehensive about something:

Having concerns or fears related to a specific situation.

Related Words

apprehension:

A feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad will happen.

apprehend:

To understand or perceive; to arrest or seize.

Slang Meanings of apprehensive

Meaning: Butterflies in the stomach

Example Sentence: I had butterflies in my stomach before the interview.

Meaning: On edge

Example Sentence: He was really on edge before the big presentation.