Word
trepidation
Phoneticstrep·i·da·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌtɹɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/
UK/tɹˌɛpɪdˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of fear or worry about something that is going to happen. You might feel this before a big test or a difficult meeting.
n. a state of fear, anxiety, or apprehension. Often used to describe the emotional state preceding a significant or potentially dangerous event.
Examples
“She walked into the interview with a lot of trepidation.”
“Despite his years of experience, the pilot felt a sense of trepidation before landing in the thick fog.”
“The explorers approached the uncharted territory with trepidation, aware that their maps were incomplete and their supplies were running low.”
Examples
simple
“She walked into the interview with a lot of trepidation.”
contextual
“Despite his years of experience, the pilot felt a sense of trepidation before landing in the thick fog.”
complex
“The explorers approached the uncharted territory with trepidation, aware that their maps were incomplete and their supplies were running low.”
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Aidan Monaghan/HBO Max Both anticipation and trepidation are high for the small-screen version of JK Rowling’s wizarding classic .” “Aston Villa supporters could have been forgiven for approaching the new season with feelings of great anxiety, nagging angst and face-twitching trepidation.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin trepidātiō, from trepidō (“be agitated”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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