Nervous
'nɜːrvəs
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling or expressing worry, fear, or unease; easily agitated.
'nɜːrvəs
Feeling or showing anxiety and apprehension; easily agitated or alarmed.
He was nervous about the exam.
💡 Simply: Being nervous is like feeling butterflies in your tummy because you're worried or scared about something. Imagine you have to sing in front of everyone, and you feel your heart beat faster. That's being nervous!
👶 For kids: Feeling worried or a little bit scared.
More Examples
She gave a nervous laugh.
The dog was nervous during the thunderstorm.
How It's Used
"The patient was nervous about the upcoming surgery."
"She felt nervous before her presentation."
Relating to the nerves or nervous system, or causing anxiety.
'nɜːrvəs
Relating to the nerves or nervous system.
She had a nervous breakdown after the stressful event.
💡 Simply: If something is nervous-related, it has something to do with your nerves, which are like tiny wires in your body that send signals. For example, a nervous breakdown is when your brain or nerves can't handle stress.
👶 For kids: Having to do with the parts of your body that help you feel and move.
More Examples
The doctor examined her nervous system.
His nervous system was highly sensitive.
How It's Used
"The nervous system controls all bodily functions."
"A nervous disorder can cause tremors and other symptoms."
Idioms & expressions
a bundle of nerves
A very anxious or nervous person.
"She was a bundle of nerves before the audition."
get on someone's nerves
To irritate or annoy someone.
"Her constant complaints really get on my nerves."
From Latin *nervosus* (sinewy, strong), from *nervus* (sinew, nerve). It originally referred to strength or vigor, but evolved to primarily denote anxiety and apprehension due to the perceived connection between the nerves and emotions.
The word 'nervous' originally related to strength before adopting its more common meaning related to anxiety.
Memory tip
Think of a racing heart: your nerves are "up" and tense, making you nervous.