apprehensive

[ap-ri-hen-siv]

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 ).

apprehensive

/ ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. fearful or anxious

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehensive¹

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.

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

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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"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.

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Related Words

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