Anxious Meaning
Anxious Definition & Usage
Feeling worried, uneasy, or apprehensive about something, typically with a sense of dread or fear.
Examples
- "She felt anxious about the upcoming exam and couldn't sleep the night before."
- "He was anxious about the interview, constantly checking his watch."
- "The thought of speaking in public made him feel anxious and nauseous."
- "I’m really anxious about moving to a new city and leaving my friends behind."
- "The child grew anxious as the storm raged outside, hearing the wind howling."
A state of eagerness or anticipation, especially when it is accompanied by a sense of nervousness or impatience.
Examples
- "She was anxious to hear back about the job interview."
- "The team was anxious to start the match after weeks of preparation."
- "He was anxious for the weekend getaway, planning every detail for months."
- "Despite his anxious waiting, he was confident he would get the promotion."
- "The audience was anxious for the concert to begin as the lights dimmed."
Cultural Context
The word 'anxious' originates from the Latin word 'anxius', meaning 'distressed or troubled', and has evolved over time to describe both emotional distress and eager anticipation. In modern English, it most commonly refers to worry or nervousness, often associated with anxiety disorders. However, it can also indicate excitement or impatience in certain contexts.
The Waiting Room
Story
The Waiting Room
Elena sat in the sterile waiting room, her palms slick with sweat as she nervously tapped her foot on the floor. The ticking of the clock on the wall felt like a countdown to an uncertain future. She was anxious, not because she feared the outcome, but because the sheer weight of anticipation was almost too much to bear. Every passing second seemed to stretch into eternity. The door finally opened, and a nurse stepped in. Elena stood up quickly, nearly knocking over the chair in her haste. She was anxious not out of fear of the procedure itself, but because she had been waiting for weeks to get answers about her health. Meanwhile, in another corner of the city, Ben paced back and forth outside a bustling restaurant, his hands tucked deep into his pockets. He was anxious, but not in the same way. His heart raced not because he was worried about something bad happening, but because of the date he was about to go on. His palms were clammy, and his mind raced through a thousand 'what-ifs.' He had been looking forward to this evening for weeks, and now that it had arrived, the excitement made him feel jittery and nervous. As he finally saw her walking toward him, the anxiousness melted away into something more manageable, and he smiled, feeling a little more at ease. Two different people, two different kinds of anxiety: one born of uncertainty and concern, the other from eager anticipation and hope.
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