Words / C2

trep-i-DAYSHUN/ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃn/

Trepidation is nervous dread of what is coming (formal): with trepidation, a certain trepidation. Fear is everyday; anxiety can be ongoing without a single event. Trepid is rare; intrepid is fearless — related root. Do not use trepidation for boredom.

Meaning

Fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen (formal).

Examples

• “She opened the results with trepidation.”
• “She opened the brown envelope with trepidation and a spare pen.”
• “Trepidation looks forward; regret looks back. Intrepid is the brave opposite family.”

Good to know

Nervous dread beforehand (formal). Everyday: fear. Opposite family: intrepid. Not boredom or post-hoc regret.

Near in meaning

fear

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