Nervous Definition, Meaning and Synonyms
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on April 29, 2024
Discover the correct use of 'Nerveous,' often mistakenly spelled as 'Nervous,' and learn to distinguish between these frequently confused English words. Our guide offers insights and tips for accurate spelling and usage.
Nervous Definitions
Nervous can mean easily agitated or alarmed.
The loud noise made the dog nervous.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
Nervous can denote a lack of confidence or assurance.
He gave a nervous glance towards the audience.
Eleanor
Feb 01, 2024
Nervous can be used to describe a situation causing nervousness.
The tense atmosphere in the room made everyone feel nervous.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
Nervous can refer to showing signs of anxiety or tension.
His nervous laugh betrayed his calm facade.
Eleanor
Feb 01, 2024
Nervous can describe someone prone to nervousness or anxiety.
She's always been a nervous traveler.
Muazma Batool
Feb 01, 2024
Nervous can imply sensitivity to stimuli, as in nervous system responses.
His nervous reflexes were tested during the exam.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
Nervous can mean relating to the nerves or nervous system.
The doctor specialized in nervous disorders.
Xavier
Feb 01, 2024
Stemming from or affecting the nerves or nervous system
A nervous disorder.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
Easily agitated or distressed; high-strung or jumpy.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
Nervous Synonyms
Apprehensive
Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
She was apprehensive about moving to a new city.
Eleanor
Apr 29, 2024
Tense
Stretched tight or rigid; feeling, causing, or showing anxiety and nervousness.
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Edgy
Tense, nervous, or irritable.
He was feeling edgy after the long flight.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Anxious
Experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.
She felt anxious before the presentation.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Uneasy
Causing or feeling anxiety; not comfortable or relaxed.
He felt uneasy about the strange noises in the house.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Skittish
Nervously excitable or easily scared.
The skittish horse was spooked by the loud noise.
Xavier
Apr 29, 2024
Restless
Unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom.
The restless crowd awaited the announcement.
Bronson
Apr 29, 2024
Fidgety
Inclined to fidget; restless or uneasy.
The fidgety students found it hard to sit still.
Maverick
Apr 29, 2024
High-strung
Very nervous, tense, or sensitive; excitable.
The high-strung performer struggled to calm her nerves.
Xavier
Apr 29, 2024
Nervous Idioms
Nervous energy
Restlessness or agitation stemming from nervousness.
She channeled her nervous energy into her performance.
Muazma Batool
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous system
The body's network of nerves.
The doctor explained how the nervous system controls our movements.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous wreck
Extremely anxious or upset.
After the car accident, she was a nervous wreck.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous habit
A behavior frequently exhibited when nervous.
Biting her nails was her nervous habit.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous breakdown
A period of intense mental distress.
He was nearing a nervous breakdown due to the stress at work.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous tick
An involuntary movement caused by nervousness.
He developed a nervous tick under his eye during exams.
Bronson
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous Nellie
A person who is excessively anxious.
Don't be such a nervous Nellie; the interview will go fine.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs
Extremely anxious.
I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs before my presentation.
Kalel
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous laughter
Laughing out of anxiety or discomfort.
His nervous laughter did little to ease the tension.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Nervous Meaning in a Sentence
I get nervous every time I have to speak in public.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
The cat becomes nervous during thunderstorms.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
He was nervous about meeting her parents for the first time.
Muazma Batool
Mar 12, 2024
My hands are always nervous and shaky before an exam.
Smith
Mar 12, 2024
The market has been nervous about the recent changes in policy.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
She had a nervous habit of tapping her foot.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
The horse gets nervous around loud noises.
Smith
Mar 12, 2024
The nervous energy in the room was palpable as the results were announced.
Camila
Mar 12, 2024
Being in crowded places makes me feel nervous.
Xavier
Mar 12, 2024
She was nervous about the outcome of her medical tests.
Smith
Mar 12, 2024
The actor seemed surprisingly nervous on stage.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
I could hear the nervousness in her voice over the phone.
Kalel
Mar 12, 2024
His nervous disposition makes it hard for him to relax.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the word nervous?
The word nervous comes from the Latin word "nervosus," meaning sinewy or strong, but over time it came to be associated with the nerves and feelings of anxiety.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Is nervous always related to negative feelings?
While commonly associated with negative emotions, nervousness can also arise from positive anticipation, such as before a performance or exciting event.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Can nervous be used in a positive context?
Yes, feeling nervous can sometimes be positive, indicating excitement or anticipation for something, like a performance or competition.
Asaiah
Mar 12, 2024
What is a nervous breakdown?
A nervous breakdown is a colloquial term for a period of intense mental distress, where an individual feels unable to function in daily life, often due to stress or anxiety.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
What is a nervous habit?
A nervous habit is a repetitive behavior that a person may perform unconsciously in response to nervousness or stress, such as nail-biting or leg-tapping.
Camila
Mar 12, 2024
Can someone control their nervousness?
While it's difficult to control the initial feeling of nervousness, various techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage its intensity.
Eleanor
Mar 12, 2024
Can animals be described as nervous?
Yes, animals can exhibit nervous behavior, often in response to fear, stress, or unfamiliar environments.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
How is the word nervous used in a medical context?
In medicine, nervous can relate to the nervous system, including nerves, the brain, and the spinal cord, and conditions affecting them.
Xavier
Mar 12, 2024
Are there synonyms for nervous?
Synonyms include anxious, edgy, jittery, tense, and apprehensive, each with slightly different connotations.
Maverick
Mar 12, 2024
What does the word nervous mean?
Nervous typically refers to feelings of anxiety, apprehension, or unease about something uncertain or potentially harmful.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
How does the nervous system relate to feeling nervous?
The nervous system regulates the body's response to stress or danger, activating the "fight or flight" response that can cause feelings of nervousness.
Smith
Mar 12, 2024
Is it common to feel nervous before a big event?
Feeling nervous before significant events, such as performances, speeches, or exams, is common and can even enhance performance by increasing alertness and energy.
Camila
Mar 12, 2024
How does one overcome nervousness?
Overcoming nervousness often involves preparation, practice, relaxation techniques, and sometimes seeking professional help for underlying anxiety disorders.
Eleanor
Mar 12, 2024
Can nervous be used to describe an inanimate object or situation?
While typically used to describe living beings, nervous can metaphorically describe situations or atmospheres that induce feelings of nervousness, such as a "nervous market."
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 12, 2024
Is nervousness the same as anxiety?
Nervousness is a temporary feeling of fear or apprehension, while anxiety is a more prolonged and often more intense feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.
Darian
Mar 12, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Definitions Wiki, Muneeza's commitment to clarity and precision extends beyond the realm of definitions. She believes that a thorough understanding of words empowers individuals to communicate effectively and appreciate the beauty of language in all its forms.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a copywriter, Muazma weaves words into a tapestry of compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language, she crafts messages that move people to action and create lasting impact.
