nervously
UK: ˈnɜːvəsli | US: ˈnɜːrvəsli
adv. in an anxious or agitated manner
adv. with nervous energy or tension
The word "nervously" derives from the Latin "nervus" (meaning "sinew, nerve"), which evolved into the English adjective "nervous" (originally "pertaining to the nerves," later "easily agitated"). The suffix "-ly" is an Old English adverbial marker, turning adjectives into adverbs. Thus, "nervously" literally means "in a nerve-related manner," reflecting heightened sensitivity or anxiety.
She tapped her fingers nervously on the table.
He laughed nervously before giving his speech.
The dog whined nervously during the thunderstorm.
They glanced nervously at each other, unsure of what to say.
The student answered the question nervously, fearing criticism.