Emotions / B1

ANGKSH-uh-s/ˈæŋkʃəs/

Anxious means worried and unable to relax, usually about the future. Nervous is close, often for a short event like a test. Worried is the everyday word. Anxious about an exam; anxious to can also mean keen (anxious to start), which surprises learners. Anxiety is the noun.

Meaning

Worried and not able to relax.

Examples

• “He felt anxious before the interview.”
• “Parents were anxious about the school trip.”
• “She is anxious to hear the results.”

Good to know

anxious about + thing. anxious to + verb = keen. Noun: anxiety.

Near in meaning

worried, nervous

Topics

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