Emotions / A2

NURV-uh-s/ˈnɜːvəs/

Nervous means worried or slightly afraid about something coming: nervous about the exam, a nervous laugh, feel nervous. Anxious can be stronger or more general; excited is positive energy, not fear. Nervous of / about + noun. Do not mix nervous with angry (mad at someone) or with mentally ill — that is a different, careful topic. Nervously is the adverb.

Meaning

Worried or slightly afraid about something that is going to happen.

Examples

• “He felt nervous before the interview.”
• “I always get nervous before I speak in class.”
• “The horse was nervous of the loud crowd.”

Good to know

nervous about / of. Contrast: excited (positive), angry (at someone).

Near in meaning

anxious

Topics

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