adjective
nervous
NER-vuhs/ˈnɜːrvəs/
Feeling worried or uneasy.
The nervous man twists his handkerchief while waiting on the chair.
Etymology
The pieces originally conveyed being sinewy or vigorous, almost the opposite of today’s anxious sense. The change passed through “relating to the nerves” and then “suffering a disorder of the nervous system,” leading to “easily agitated.”
In context
what happens when you're nervous right your heart rate starts to go you're you know you sort of get a little tense you get a little sweaty right
More examples
- She felt nervous before her first driving lesson.
- He gave a nervous laugh when his name was called.
- The approaching storm made the horses nervous.
Forms
nervous
nervousness noun — A feeling of worry or unease
Similar words
- anxious
- Often emphasizes worried anticipation rather than physical tension.
- jittery
- Emphasizes restless physical signs of nervousness.