anxious - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
anxious Word Meanings
- feeling worried or uneasy
- eagerly wanting something
- experiencing anxiety
anxious Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
anxious Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈæŋkʃəs/
US
/ˈæŋkʃəs/
anxious Word Etymology
anxious is composed of 'anxious' (from the Latin 'anxius' meaning 'troubled') + suffix '-ous' indicating quality. It originated from Latin to Old French and then to English. To remember, imagine a person anxiously waiting for an important call, tapping their foot nervously.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I plant my feet, press my palms on the desk, and breathe in slowly to settle into the moment. I shift my gaze between the clock, the incoming message, and the note in front of me, feeling a familiar anxious tug. I adjust my posture, straighten my shoulders, and keep my hands steady as I decide what to do next. I set a small plan in motion and let the next move come, the anxious feeling loosening a little with each careful step.
Real Context
Anxious describes a feeling of being worried or uneasy, often about something uncertain, but it can also mean eagerly wanting something and experiencing anxiety. In everyday English, you might be anxious about an exam, an interview, or waiting for news. The word overlaps with nervous, worried, and concerned, but anxious often implies a stronger emotional pull or restlessness rather than calm concern. Learners sometimes confuse anxious with excited when anticipation is high, or with nervous when the focus is fear rather than anticipation.
Usage Reminders
- - Use anxious about with a noun: anxious about the exam.
- - Use anxious to + verb to express eagerness: anxious to start.
- - Don’t equate anxious with excited; context matters.
- - Anxious can express both worry and anticipation.
- - In negative contexts, say 'not anxious' to mean calm or uninterested.
Common Misconceptions
- Anxious always means fear or danger
- Anxious cannot describe things only people do
- Anxious is the same as excited
- You must be anxious to be correct in all contexts
- Anxious only describes negative outcomes
Thinking Differences
In English, anxious often covers both worry and eager anticipation; learners may overfocus on fear and confuse it with nervous or with excited. Pay attention to the prepositions: anxious about (general worry) vs anxious to (desire to do something).
Learning Tips
- Notice two main uses: worry and eager anticipation.
- Differentiate anxious about (concern) vs anxious to (desire).
- Pair with nouns (anxious about the exam) or with verbs (anxious to start).
- Context matters: negative vs positive anticipation.
- Avoid over-generalizing to 'excited' when anticipation is nervous.
- Practice with real-life scenarios to feel nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which option gives the correct definition of 'anxious'?
A.A physical illness that causes fever and chills
B.Extremely happy and excited about a pleasant event
C.Feeling worried or nervous about something with an uncertain outcome
D.To move slowly and carefully to avoid danger
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'anxious' correctly?
A.He felt anxious before giving his speech, his hands trembling and stomach in knots
B.They anxious finished the project quickly
C.The anxious fabric was soft to the touch
D.The anxious rain cleaned the streets after the storm
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'anxious'?
A.indifferent
B.elated
C.worried
D.calm
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'anxious'?
A.tense
B.calm
C.distressed
D.restless
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario where someone would feel nervous or uneasy?
A.Waiting for important exam results and checking the email every few minutes
B.Relaxing on a beach with a book and no deadlines
C.Enjoying a surprise party with close friends and laughing
D.Finishing a routine household chore that you do every week without worry
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