apprehensively
|ap-pre-hen-sive-ly|
B2
/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv.li/
(apprehensive)
anxious or fearful
Etymology
Etymology Information
'apprehensive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'apprehensivus,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'prehendere' meant 'to seize.'
Historical Evolution
'apprehensivus' transformed into the French word 'apprehensif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apprehensive' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to seize or grasp mentally,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'anxious or fearful about the future.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that shows anxiety or fear about something that might happen.
She looked apprehensively at the dark clouds gathering in the sky.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41