Nervous (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Causing or fraught with or showing anxiety; "spent an anxious night waiting for the test results"; "cast anxious glances behind her"; "those nervous moments before takeoff"; "an unquiet mind".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She was nervous about her first day of work and kept checking her watch to make sure she wasn't late.
- The nervous energy in the room was palpable as the contestants waited for the results of the competition.
- He was nervous about meeting his girlfriend's parents for the first time and spent hours rehearsing what to say.
- The nervous laughter of the audience was a clear indication that the comedian's joke had fallen flat.
- The pilot's nervous voice came over the intercom as he announced that the plane would be experiencing some turbulence.
Synonyms
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Meaning 2
Of or relating to the nervous system; "nervous disease"; "neural disorder".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with a nervous disorder that affected her motor skills and coordination.
- The doctor specialized in treating nervous diseases such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.
- The researcher studied the nervous system to understand how it responds to injury and disease.
- The new medication was designed to target nervous disorders such as anxiety and depression.
- The neurologist examined the patient's nervous system to determine the cause of her numbness and tingling.
Synonyms
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Meaning 3
Easily agitated; "a nervous addict"; "a nervous thoroughbred".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The horse was a nervous thoroughbred that needed constant reassurance from its rider.
- His nervous personality made him a bit of a high-strung person, always on edge.
- As a nervous addict, she had a hard time being around her former dealer.
- The detective was a nervous wreck during the stakeout, chain-smoking cigarettes to calm his nerves.
- The anxious energy in the room was palpable, fueled by the nervous energy of the expectant mother.
Related Words
Meaning 4
Unpredictably excitable (especially of horses).
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The young colt was a nervous horse, prone to sudden starts and stops during its training sessions.
- After a loud noise startled it, the mare became nervous and skittish, requiring careful handling to calm down.
- Riders should be cautious when approaching a nervous horse, as it may bolt or kick without warning.
- The nervous gelding paced back and forth in its stall, anxious for its morning exercise.
- Experienced trainers know how to recognize and work with a nervous horse, helping it to become more confident and calm.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 5
Excited in anticipation.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- I was nervous as I waited for the concert to start, eager to see my favorite band perform live.
- She felt nervous but thrilled as she prepared to walk down the aisle on her wedding day.
- The kids were nervous with excitement as they boarded the plane for their first trip to Disneyland.
- He was nervous but pumped as he laced up his cleats and prepared to take the field for the championship game.
- I was nervous but exhilarated as I stood at the edge of the skydiving platform, ready to take the leap of a lifetime.