The noun “nervousness” refers to a state of anxiety, unease, or apprehension, often accompanied by physical signs like a racing heart, sweating, or shaky hands. It is the feeling of being uneasy or tense, often triggered by an upcoming event or uncertain situation, and is usually characterized by a sense of worry or fear. Nervousness can arise from various circumstances, such as public speaking, interviews, or exams, and is generally seen as a temporary and normal response to stress or uncertainty. While it is not as intense as panic or fear, nervousness can affect one’s ability to think clearly or perform at their best in certain situations.
Example Sentences
- Her nervousness was evident as she waited for the job interview, her hands trembling slightly.
- The nervousness in his voice betrayed how uncertain he was about the presentation.
- His nervousness grew as the exam time approached, making it harder to focus.
- The nervousness among the players was palpable before the championship game.
- I could sense her nervousness as she stepped onto the stage to deliver her speech.
- His nervousness about flying was so intense that he had to take calming medication before the flight.
- The nervousness that accompanied the surprise announcement made everyone uncomfortable.
- There was a certain nervousness in the room as the team waited for the final decision.
- The nervousness she felt during the first date was completely normal, but it made her anxious.
- He tried to mask his nervousness, but his fidgeting hands gave him away.
Synonyms
- Anxiety
- Unease
- Apprehension
- Nervous tension
- Worry
- Restlessness
- Discomfort
- Tension
- Agitation
- Fear
Antonyms
- Calm
- Composure
- Relaxation
- Confidence
- Assurance
- Ease
- Comfort
- Tranquility
- Peace
- Serenity
Related Words
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Unease
- Apprehension
- Worry
- Tension
- Discomfort
- Fear
- Anticipation
- Agitation
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Work oneself up: To become increasingly nervous or anxious about something.
- Get cold feet: To become nervous or anxious about doing something at the last moment.
- Jittery nerves: To experience a state of heightened nervousness or anxiety, often manifesting physically.
- Lose one’s nerve: To become too nervous to go through with something, typically a planned action.
- Get the jitters: To experience a feeling of nervousness or unease, often before a significant event.
Idiomatic Expressions
- On edge: To feel tense, nervous, or uneasy about something.
- Have butterflies in one’s stomach: To feel nervous or uneasy, often before a big event.
- Break into a cold sweat: To experience a sudden feeling of nervousness or fear, often physically manifesting as perspiration.
- Sweating bullets: To be extremely nervous or anxious, especially in a stressful situation.
- Bite one’s nails: To be so nervous or anxious that it affects one’s behavior, such as biting nails.
The noun “nervousness” denotes a state of unease, anxiety, or apprehension, usually experienced in response to uncertainty or stress. It is often accompanied by physical manifestations, such as shaking or sweating. Nervousness is related to synonyms like “anxiety,” “apprehension,” and “tension,” which highlight the mental and emotional discomfort that often precedes significant events. The antonyms—such as “calm,” “composure,” and “confidence”—describe states of relaxation and emotional control, contrasting with the unease of nervousness. The related phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions, such as “get cold feet,” “work oneself up,” and “have butterflies in one’s stomach,” illustrate the common experiences and physical signs associated with nervousness, making it a universal response to moments of pressure or stress. Whether in the form of anxiety or tension, nervousness serves as a natural, though often uncomfortable, reaction to impending challenges.