Word
apprehensive
Phoneticsap·pre·hen·sive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæpɹiˈhɛnsɪv/
UK/ˌæpɹɪhˈɛnsɪv/
Definition
adj. feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen in the future. You feel this when you are not sure if a situation will be successful.
adj. feeling anxious or fearful that something unpleasant will occur. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'feel' or 'remain'.
Examples
“I feel a bit apprehensive about my job interview tomorrow.”
“Many students are apprehensive about the upcoming changes to the exam format and how they will affect their final grades.”
“The investors remained apprehensive despite the CEO's reassurances, fearing that the volatile market conditions would eventually erode the company's quarterly profits.”
Examples
simple
“I feel a bit apprehensive about my job interview tomorrow.”
contextual
“Many students are apprehensive about the upcoming changes to the exam format and how they will affect their final grades.”
complex
“The investors remained apprehensive despite the CEO's reassurances, fearing that the volatile market conditions would eventually erode the company's quarterly profits.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “apprehensive” in context.
Verb
01. feel apprehensive
“Many students feel apprehensive before their final exams.”
verb + adj
02. seem apprehensive
“The witness seemed apprehensive when asked to identify the suspect.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. apprehensive about
“She is very apprehensive about her upcoming surgery.”
adj + prep
04. apprehensive to
“He was apprehensive to start the project without proper training.”
adj + infinitive
05. deeply apprehensive
“Economists are deeply apprehensive about the impact of the new tax laws.”
adv + adj
06. slightly apprehensive
“I was slightly apprehensive about moving to a new city on my own.”
adv + adj
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'about' or 'of', or by a 'that' clause.
Real-World Examples
“I must admit, I was apprehensive about meeting John Cena.” Etymology
From Latin apprehensīvus, from apprehensus, perfect passive participle of apprehendō (“to apprehend, understand, learn”) + -īvus (“-ive”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/apprehensive