apprehensive
pronunciation
How to pronounce apprehensive in British English:
UK [ˌæprɪˈhensɪv]
How to pronounce apprehensive in American English:
US [ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv]
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- Adjective:
- quick to understand
- mentally upset over possible misfortune or danger etc; worried
- in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
Word Origin
- apprehensive (adj.)
- 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.
Example
- 1. Many , especially the elderly , look apprehensive .
- 2. All day she felt nervous and apprehensive .
- 3. Diplomats say he is very bright , but apprehensive about informality .
- 4. The corporate-and-government dominated media are apprehensive over the challenge that wikileaks presents .
- 5. Carl kester , deputy dean for academic affairs at harvard business school , described the atmosphere on campus as " nervous " and " apprehensive " .