Apprehensively - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Apprehensively means acting or feeling anxious or fearful about something that may happen. It describes a cautious or uneasy manner, often due to uncertainty or worry.
Definition:
Feeling anxious or fearful about something that may happen.
Synonyms:
nervously, uneasily, anxiously, warily
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
confidently, calmly
Common Collocations:
look apprehensively, speak apprehensively, act apprehensively
Derivatives:
apprehension, apprehensive, apprehensiveness
Usage Tips:
Use "apprehensively" to describe actions done with worry or hesitation, often about future events.
Common Phrases:
watch apprehensively, wait apprehensively, move apprehensively
Etymology:
From Latin "apprehendere," meaning "to seize or grasp," later evolving to imply mental unease.
Examples:
- 1. She glanced apprehensively at the dark alley ahead.
- 2. He answered the question apprehensively, unsure of the teacher's reaction.
- 3. The dog approached the stranger apprehensively, tail tucked low.
- 4. They waited apprehensively for the test results to arrive.