Apprehension
/ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsAnxiety or fear, especially about something that might happen in the future.
/ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən/
Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Her apprehension was evident in her trembling hands.
💡 Simply: Worries about something bad happening.
More Examples
The dark alley filled him with apprehension.
How It's Used
"The patient exhibited significant apprehension before the surgery."
"She felt a sense of apprehension about the upcoming exam."
The act of understanding or grasping something mentally.
/ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən/
Understanding or grasping of an idea.
His apprehension of the complex problem was impressive.
💡 Simply: Understanding something.
More Examples
The student showed excellent apprehension of the material.
How It's Used
"His apprehension of the philosophical concept was remarkable."
From Middle English *apprehension*, from Old French *aprehension*, from Latin *apprehensio*, from *apprehendere* "to seize, grasp; understand"
Historically, 'apprehension' was more frequently used in its meaning of 'understanding' or 'grasping' before its modern, more common usage relating to anxiety.
Memory tip
Think of 'prehending' – grasping something, but with negative anticipation.