apprehensive

[ ap-ri-hen-siv ]

adjective

1. uneasy or fearful about something that might happen:

   apprehensive for the safety of the mountain climbers.

2. quick to learn or understand.
3. perceptive; discerning (usually followed by of ).

apprehensive

/ ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. fearful or anxious

Derived Forms

• ˌappreˈhensiveness, noun
• ˌappreˈhensively, adverb

Other Words From

• appre·hensive·ly adverb
• appre·hensive·ness noun
• nonap·pre·hensive adjective
• over·appre·hensive adjective
• over·appre·hensive·ly adverb
• over·appre·hensive·ness noun
• pseudo·appre·hensive adjective
• pseudo·appre·hensive·ly adverb
• unap·pre·hensive adjective
• unap·pre·hensive·ly adverb
• unap·pre·hensive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apprehensive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word apprehēnsīvus. See apprehensible, -ive

Example Sentences

I never felt apprehensive about calling parents and telling them our plans.

From Washington Post

She wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post she was apprehensive about it because other people at the Capitol might “flout social distancing and mask guidelines.”

From Washington Post

If immigration matters seep into vaccine distribution, she argued, they may be equally apprehensive about getting their first or second shot.

From Washington Post

This may be because they’re getting excited or apprehensive, and may also be the result of taking some deep breaths in preparation.

From Outside Online

This unique technological solution has safeguarded Estonian voters against fraud, use of force, and other manipulations of remote voting that many American voters are apprehensive about in the 2020 US election.

From Singularity Hub 

Cuse: At first, I was a little apprehensive about jumping into a genre that seemed really overdone and overwrought.

From The Daily Beast

At first, the couple is apprehensive, if not downright appalled.

From The Daily Beast

He then jumps off a building to go fight crime, leaving Stacy totally smitten—and more than a little apprehensive.

From The Daily Beast

You find yourself reading, impressed, entertained, identifying, yet vaguely repulsed and apprehensive for him.

From The Daily Beast

Interpreters, feeling apprehensive about our departure, left to rejoin their families.

From The Daily Beast

I am becoming seriously apprehensive about my Lines of Communication and am forced to let you know the state of affairs.

From Project Gutenberg

At first he became defiant, but presently he grew apprehensive, and on taking his leave he made a foul accusation against you.

From Project Gutenberg

Cordelia, only, cast an apprehensive glance over her shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

Our arrival dissipated the anxiety of the men, who began to be apprehensive we were taken or killed by some of the savages.

From Project Gutenberg

This would not have been of so much consequence, perhaps, but that Matava became apprehensive that they might desert.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• afraid
• concerned
• doubtful
• jittery
• jumpy
• suspicious
• uncertain
• uneasy
• uptight