Nervous Meaning
Nervous Definition & Usage
Experiencing anxiety, worry, or fear, often due to anticipation of a stressful event or situation.
Examples
- "She was nervous about the upcoming interview and kept rehearsing her answers."
- "John felt nervous before giving his speech to the large audience."
- "He’s always nervous before his first day at a new job."
- "My hands were shaking; I was so nervous about meeting my partner's parents."
- "The thought of flying made her feel nervous and uneasy."
Characterized by physical signs of anxiety, such as trembling, sweating, or restlessness.
Examples
- "He felt nervous, his palms sweaty and his heart racing."
- "The nervous child tugged at his shirt, unable to stay still."
- "She noticed that her nervous laughter was becoming more frequent."
- "During the exam, she felt nervous, her hands trembling as she held the pencil."
- "After the tense conversation, his nervous energy was apparent in his quick movements."
Acting or responding with hesitation, caution, or uncertainty, often due to lack of confidence or experience.
Examples
- "He was nervous about making the wrong decision and asked for more time to think."
- "The nervous child approached the dog carefully, unsure if it was friendly."
- "Her nervous hesitation was evident when she was asked to lead the meeting."
- "After the first failure, he became nervous about trying again."
- "She was nervous about taking the test without proper preparation."
Cultural Context
Nervousness is a common human experience, often triggered by stress, fear, or social anxiety. In various cultures, nervousness can be linked to societal expectations, such as performing in public, succeeding in career-related endeavors, or maintaining social norms. The physiological responses to nervousness (like sweating or trembling) are often portrayed in media as signs of vulnerability or anxiety, making the word a frequent subject in discussions of mental health and emotional intelligence.
The Nerves of a First-Time Speaker
Story
The Nerves of a First-Time Speaker
Amanda had always been a confident person. But today, as she stepped onto the stage to give her first speech at the company conference, she felt her stomach churn with nervousness. She could feel her palms sweating and her heart pounding in her chest. The crowd of colleagues and industry experts seemed to tower over her, their eyes all focused on her, waiting for her to begin. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Her hands shook slightly as she adjusted the microphone. For a moment, she considered walking off the stage. But then she remembered the advice her mentor had given her: 'Everyone gets nervous before a big presentation. It’s natural. Just remember, they’re on your side.' Amanda smiled to herself, feeling a little more confident. As she began speaking, her voice quivered at first, but with each word, her nervousness started to fade. She had prepared for this, after all. The nervousness that had consumed her earlier now transformed into energy, propelling her forward. By the time she reached the final slide, Amanda felt a sense of relief wash over her. The nervousness had been replaced by pride. She had done it. She had faced her fears and pushed through her anxiety. After the speech, a colleague approached her with a grin. 'You were amazing,' she said. 'I could tell you were nervous at first, but you really found your rhythm.' Amanda laughed, still feeling the nervous energy in her body. 'I guess I was just a little nervous,' she replied. But deep down, she knew it was more than just nervousness—it was a triumph over her fears.
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