adjective
anxious
ANGK-shuhs/ˈæŋkʃəs/
Worried or uneasy about an uncertain outcome.
He grows anxious when his daughter misses the last bus home.
Etymology
Latin anxius comes from angere, “to choke, squeeze,” also used figuratively for tormenting or distressing someone. The connection is between physical constriction and the mental distress of uncertainty.
In context
you know, the anxiety is what made us survive. The anxious people knew to say, tiger coming,
More examples
- She was anxious about the interview.
- The children are anxious to open their presents.
- An anxious silence fell while they waited for the results.
Forms
anxious · more anxious · most anxious
Similar words
- worried
- Usually expresses concern without the eager-to-do-something extension.
- apprehensive
- Focuses on unease about a future event or outcome.