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
Related Words for apprehensiveness
foreboding, alarm, disquiet, mistrust, misgiving, trepidation, doubt, uneasiness, dread, suspicion, worry, anxiety, hesitation, apprehension, unease, distrust, qualm, reservation, hunch, omenExamples from the Web for apprehensiveness
Historical Examples of apprehensiveness
For all its apprehensiveness, a sickly grin ran round the group.
Haviland's ChumBertram Mitford
But I am inclined to think that this apprehensiveness was constitutional.
Recollections and ImpressionsOctavius Brooks Frothingham
Even now, she knew that her shoulders were contracted with apprehensiveness.
CoquetteFrank Swinnerton
But his hugeness could not quite overcome his apprehensiveness.
The Sea-WolfJack London
And yet he had just been taking credit for his own freedom from apprehensiveness!
The Pretty LadyArnold E. Bennett
apprehensive
- fearful or anxious
Word Origin and History for apprehensiveness
apprehensive
late 14c., "capable of perceiving, fitted for mental impression," from Medieval Latin apprehensivus, from Latin apprehensus, past participle of apprehendere (see apprehend). Meaning "fearful of what is to come" is recorded from 1718, via notion of "capable of grasping with the mind" (c.1600). Related: Apprehensively; apprehensiveness.