nervous - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
nervous Word Meanings
- feeling or showing anxiety or worry
- easily agitated or alarmed
- related to the nerves or nervous system
nervous Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
nervous Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈnɜː.vəs/
US
/ˈnɜr.vəs/
nervous Word Etymology
From Latin 'nervosus' (sinewy, vigorous); influenced by Old French 'nerveux' leading to English. Imagine a person tense and jumpy, their nerves palpable, as they navigate a stressful situation.
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 shift my chair, feet tapping a quiet rhythm as I square my shoulders. I take a slow breath and push the air out, trying to steady the tremor in my hands. Nervous slips into the moment, a quick pulse and a flutter in the stomach telling me I care. When it's my turn to speak, I keep my voice even and push through the edge of fear, using the energy to focus on what I want to say.
Real Context
Nervous is an everyday English adjective describing a feeling of anxiety or worry, and it can also mean easily agitated or alarmed. It often marks a mental state of anticipation before an event or a bodily sense that the nerves are on edge. You might feel nervous before a job interview, a first date, or while waiting for important news. The term is common in talking about people, places, or situations that cause stress, and it does not imply a clinical disorder unless medical language is used. Learners sometimes confuse nervous with scared or frightened, but nervous is milder and more routine in tone.
Usage Reminders
- Use nervous about/doing to describe anticipation
- Don’t confuse with afraid or scared
- Pair with prepositions like nervous about, nervous for, nervous to speak
- Describe situations rather than people alone
- Note the difference between nervous and nervous system in medical contexts
- Avoid overusing in formal writing
Common Misconceptions
- Nervous always means you are very afraid
- It only describes people, not situations
- If someone has a physical ailment, nervous is the same as anxious
- Nervous cannot be used before events
- Nervous is the opposite of calm
Thinking Differences
English speakers often distinguish nervous as a milder, everyday anxiety rather than a fear or danger reaction, whereas many languages map the term more directly to anxiety or tension. Learners tend to overapply nervous to situations that feel exciting or risky, or substitute it with words like afraid or scared in private contexts.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations: nervous about, nervous to speak
- contrast nervous with anxious, worried, afraid
- practice describing emotions in context
- notice body language cues that accompany nervousness
- read aloud to reduce tension before speaking
- distinguish medical nervous system references when needed
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the best definition of the word nervous?
A.Physically strong and healthy
B.Extremely happy and joyful
C.Feeling worried, anxious, or uneasy about something
D.Needing a lot of careful planning and organization
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses the word nervous correctly?
A.She felt nervous before giving her presentation.
B.The flowers in the vase were nervous and bright.
C.He bought a nervous laptop that had a lot of memory.
D.The recipe calls for two nervous cups of flour.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to nervous?
A.excited
B.calm
C.anxious
D.indifferent
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of nervous?
A.worried
B.agitated
C.calm
D.jittery
Step 5: Mastery
Which real-life scenario would you most likely describe using the word nervous?
A.Enjoying a quiet afternoon reading a favorite book
B.Laughing with friends at a surprise party after winning an award
C.Waiting in the lobby right before a job interview
D.Finishing a daily routine chore like washing the dishes
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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