apprehensive

Definitions

ap- (toward) + prehens (grasp) + -ive (tending to) = literally 'tending to grasp ahead.' But you can't really grab the future — and that failed grab is exactly the feeling. Reaching for what's coming and not catching it is what makes you apprehensive: uneasy, on edge.

Common Collocations

• 1.apprehensive about对……感到不安
• 2.feel apprehensive感到忧虑
• 3.increasingly apprehensive越来越不安
• 4.an apprehensive look忧虑的神色

Example Sentences

• 1.

  I was a little apprehensive about meeting his parents.

• 2.

  Many staff are apprehensive about the coming changes.

• 3.

  She gave an apprehensive glance toward the door.

Easily Confused

apprehensive vs anxious vs nervous — all mean uneasy, but apprehensive is specifically about a future event you dread (apprehensive about the exam). nervous is more about a jittery state, often physical (nervous hands). anxious can mean worried OR eagerly wanting (anxious to leave). If it's dread of something coming, use apprehensive.