apprehensive
Americanadjective
-
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 byof ).
adjective
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I wish I could say that when I received my first A.I.-humanization request, I felt more apprehensive about taking the job.
From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026
Her apprehensive patient hits a breaking point nevertheless, frantically fleeing the exam room while Dana is procedurally required to remain.
From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026
Many employers are reluctant to hire workers, including people looking for part-time jobs in retirement, because they’re apprehensive about the economy.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026
She is currently signed off work and feels apprehensive about going back.
From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026
When Jean Louise felt apprehensive, expectant, or on edge, especially when confronting her aunt, her brain clicked to the meter of Gilbertian tomfoolery.
From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
