apprehensive
uneasy or fearful about something that might happen: apprehensive for the safety of the mountain climbers.
quick to learn or understand.
perceptive; discerning (usually followed by of).
Origin of apprehensive
1Other words from apprehensive
- ap·pre·hen·sive·ly, adverb
- ap·pre·hen·sive·ness, noun
- non·ap·pre·hen·sive, adjective
- o·ver·ap·pre·hen·sive, adjective
- o·ver·ap·pre·hen·sive·ly, adverb
- o·ver·ap·pre·hen·sive·ness, noun
- pseu·do·ap·pre·hen·sive, adjective
- pseu·do·ap·pre·hen·sive·ly, adverb
- un·ap·pre·hen·sive, adjective
- un·ap·pre·hen·sive·ly, adverb
- un·ap·pre·hen·sive·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use apprehensive in a sentence
In it, a gentle, apprehensive alien secretly arrives on Earth, where he passes for human and assumes the name Thomas Jerome Newton.
‘The Queen’s Gambit’ is a bestseller, but its author, Walter Tevis, was hardly a one-hit wonder | Michael Dirda | February 3, 2021 | Washington PostI was apprehensive about my prognosis, my treatment plan, and my ability to live a normal life.
"You have offended Carry," said Emma, apprehensively, as the former walked towards the other room.
Alone | Marion HarlandWhen Ormsby came in, I watched him apprehensively as he read the envelope upon his desk and saw its contents.
The Talking Horse | F. AnsteyThe girl's heart waited apprehensively and she heard her father's deep voice.
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine | John Fox, Jr.
At last he heard the first stroke of twelve and looked apprehensively towards Dora.
Sinister Street, vol. 1 | Compton MackenzieShe glanced rather apprehensively as she spoke at the large white house, not two minutes' walk distant across the street.
The Butterfly House | Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
British Dictionary definitions for apprehensive
/ (ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv) /
fearful or anxious
Derived forms of apprehensive
- apprehensively, adverb
- apprehensiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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