nervous

UK: ˈnɜːvəs | US: ˈnɜːrvəs

Definition

  1. adj. easily agitated or alarmed; anxious

  2. adj. relating to or affecting the nerves

  3. adj. characterized by tension or unease

Structure
nerv <nerve>ous <adjective suffix>nerv <nerve>ous <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "nervous" traces back to Latin nervosus (sinewy, vigorous), derived from nervus. Initially, it described physical strength or vigor (like sinews), but by the 17th century, it shifted to denote sensitivity of the nerves, eventually evolving to its modern sense of anxiety or unease. This reflects a metaphorical expansion from bodily tension to emotional strain.

Examples

  1. She felt nervous before her job interview.

  2. His nervous laughter revealed his discomfort.

  3. The nervous system controls bodily functions.

  4. The dog is nervous around loud noises.

  5. He tapped his foot in a nervous habit.