apprehensive

[ ap-ri-hen-siv ]

See synonyms for: apprehensive apprehensively apprehensiveness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

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

Other 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

Words Nearby apprehensive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use apprehensive in a sentence

I never felt apprehensive about calling parents and telling them our plans.
These two college basketball teams are the last to get their opening tip — fingers crossed | Barry Svrluga | January 15, 2021 | Washington Post
She wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post she was apprehensive about it because other people at the Capitol might “flout social distancing and mask guidelines.”
Coronavirus cases among lawmakers who sheltered in lockdown show one vaccine dose may not immediately protect against infection | Ben Guarino | January 13, 2021 | Washington Post
If immigration matters seep into vaccine distribution, she argued, they may be equally apprehensive about getting their first or second shot.
Nebraska governor says citizens, legal residents will get vaccine priority over undocumented immigrants | Teo Armus | January 6, 2021 | Washington Post
This may be because they’re getting excited or apprehensive, and may also be the result of taking some deep breaths in preparation.
How Does Your Brain Respond When You Hold Your Breath? | Alex Hutchinson | November 25, 2020 | Outside Online
This unique technological solution has safeguarded Estonian voters against fraud, use of force, and other manipulations of remote voting that many American voters are apprehensive about in the 2020 US election.
Estonia Is a ‘Digital Republic’—What That Means and Why It May Be Everyone’s Future | Dr. Imtiaz Khan | October 15, 2020 | Singularity Hub

Cuse: At first, I was a little apprehensive about jumping into a genre that seemed really overdone and overwrought.
Vampires without Glitter or Girl Problems: Inside Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Strain’ | Andrew Romano | July 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
At first, the couple is apprehensive, if not downright appalled.
The ‘Property Brothers’ Are Reality Television’s Crack Cocaine | Itay Hod | September 8, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He then jumps off a building to go fight crime, leaving Stacy totally smitten—and more than a little apprehensive.
2012’s Best Onscreen Kisses: ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ & More (VIDEO) | Melissa Leon | December 31, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
You find yourself reading, impressed, entertained, identifying, yet vaguely repulsed and apprehensive for him.
Who Is Philip Roth’s Portnoy Satirizing? | Bernard Avishai | August 28, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Interpreters, feeling apprehensive about our departure, left to rejoin their families.
From Iraq To Lincoln Center, A Marine’s Return to Ballet | Roman Baca | August 6, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
I am becoming seriously apprehensive about my Lines of Communication and am forced to let you know the state of affairs.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian Hamilton
At first he became defiant, but presently he grew apprehensive, and on taking his leave he made a foul accusation against you.
The Doctor of Pimlico | William Le Queux
Cordelia, only, cast an apprehensive glance over her shoulder.
The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch | Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Our arrival dissipated the anxiety of the men, who began to be apprehensive we were taken or killed by some of the savages.
The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Volume II (of 3) | Elliott Coues
This would not have been of so much consequence, perhaps, but that Matava became apprehensive that they might desert.
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado | Frank Aubrey

British Dictionary definitions for apprehensive

apprehensive

/ (ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv) /

adjective

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

Browse