Meaning & Definition of word "Nervous"

Nervous

/ˈnɜːrvəs/

adjective:

  • 1. Characterized by or showing feelings of anxiety or apprehension.
    • Example: She was nervous about speaking in front of the large audience.
  • 2. Easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious.
    • Example: He was a nervous driver, constantly checking his mirrors.
  • 3. Relating to the nerves or the nervous system.
    • Example: The doctor explained that the nervous response can be triggered by stress.

Etymology

Late Latin 'nervosus', from 'nervus', meaning 'nerve'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

nervous breakdown:

A period of mental illness or emotional instability.

nervous wreck:

Someone who is extremely anxious or distressed.

butterflies in my stomach:

Feeling nervous or anxious before a certain event.

Related Words

anxiety:

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

apprehension:

An anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

tense:

In a state of mental or nervous strain.

jumpy:

Easily startled or anxious.

Slang Meanings of nervous

Meaning: On edge

Example Sentence: He's been on edge all day with the deadline looming.

Meaning: Freaked out

Example Sentence: She was totally freaked out before her big exam.

Meaning: Spazzing

Example Sentence: He was spazzing over the test results.

Meaning: Butterfly vibes

Example Sentence: I get butterfly vibes every time I go to a party.