apprehensive

American  

[ap-ri-hen-siv] / ˌæp rɪˈhɛn sɪv /

adjective

1. uneasy or fearful about something that might happen.

   apprehensive for the safety of the mountain climbers.

2. quick to learn or understand.

3. perceptive; discerning (usually followed byof ).

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apprehensive British  

/ ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. fearful or anxious

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Other Word Forms

• apprehensively adverb
• apprehensiveness noun
• nonapprehensive adjective
• overapprehensive adjective
• overapprehensively adverb
• overapprehensiveness noun
• pseudoapprehensive adjective
• pseudoapprehensively adverb
• unapprehensive adjective
• unapprehensively adverb
• unapprehensiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of apprehensive

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word apprehēnsīvus. See apprehensible, -ive

Example Sentences

I should be scared or apprehensive—I mean, this is what Autumn and I hate about the main characters in horror movies.

From Literature

This sentiment was echoed by several other Kukis, who also feel apprehensive of returning to their homes.

From BBC

The discussion included advice on what a family should do if feeling apprehensive about having more children, especially in this economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Why include a plotline where a woman is apprehensive about believing another woman?

From Salon

"I knew Nicky had put other lessons online but he was apprehensive about whether to share mine because you never know how people are going to take it," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• afraid
• concerned
• doubtful
• jittery
• jumpy
• suspicious
• uncertain
• uneasy
• uptight