What is nervous? Pronunciation and usage in English

nervous means . Learn how to pronounce and use nervous through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of nervous

nervousadjective

/ˈnəːvəs/
Definition & pronunciation of nervous

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "nervous" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "nervous" is typically divided into two syllables:

  • ner - vuhs

2. Sounds:

  • "ner": This is pronounced like "nerve" but shorter. Focus on the "er" sound, similar to the "er" in “her.”
  • "vuhs":
    • "vuh": This is similar to the "uh" sound in "cup" or "sun." It's a short, unstressed vowel sound.
    • "s": This is a soft "s" sound, almost like the "s" in “miss.”

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: "ner-vuhs"

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "v": It's not a pronounced "v" sound like in "very." It’s a softer "vuh."
  • Short "uh" sound: Make sure the "uh" is short and unstressed. Don't try to make it a long "oo" sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it said by a native English speaker. You can find examples on:
    • Google Translate: (Type "nervous" and play the audio.)
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/nervous/) - This site has pronunciations from many native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce nervous."

Resources for Audio:

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "nervous"?

Usage and examples with the word nervous in English

Let's break down how to use the word "nervous" in English. It's a common and versatile word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey your meaning accurately.

1. Basic Definition:

"Nervous" describes a feeling of anxiety, unease, or worry about something that’s going to happen. It's often associated with a physical reaction like a racing heart, sweaty palms, or fidgeting.

2. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are examples of how to use "nervous" in different contexts:

  • Simple Feeling: "I was nervous about the presentation." (Expressing a general feeling of anxiety.)
  • Before an Event: "She’s incredibly nervous before her first piano recital." (Describes anxiety specifically in anticipation of something.)
  • Describing Symptoms: "He started to sweat and his hands were shaking – he was really nervous." (Details the physical symptoms associated with nervousness.)
  • With “that”: "I’m nervous that I’ll fail the exam." (Expressing apprehension about a specific outcome.)
  • Talking about Personality: "He’s a generally nervous person, so he gets anxious in social situations." (Describing a habitual state.)
  • Asking Someone About Their Feelings: “Are you feeling nervous about the trip?” (A direct question to check their emotional state)

3. Different Shades of Meaning & Related Words:

  • Anxious: Very similar to nervous, often used interchangeably. "I'm feeling anxious about the interview."
  • Apprehensive: Suggests a more cautious and worried feeling. "He was apprehensive about the new project."
  • Worried: A general term for feeling anxious about something. “I’m worried about my sick grandmother.”
  • Uneasy: A feeling of discomfort or anxiety, often without a specific reason. “I felt uneasy about the stranger’s behavior.”
  • Scared: This implies a stronger, more visceral fear. "She was scared of the dark."

4. Adjectives Related to Nervousness:

  • Nervousness: The state of being nervous (noun)
  • Nervy: (Can be positive or negative, depending on context) - Can mean feeling nervous or a little cheeky/bold. “He was a bit nervy, but I liked his confidence.”
  • Restless: Often associated with nervousness; unable to relax.

5. Examples in Conversation:

  • Scenario 1: First Date

    • Person A: “I’m really nervous about tonight.”
    • Person B: “Don’t be! It’s just a casual conversation. What’s making you nervous?”

  • Scenario 2: Exam Time

    • Student: “I’m so nervous about this test. I haven't studied enough.”
    • Teacher: “Take a deep breath. You're prepared, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous.”

6. Common Phrases using "Nervous":

  • "Feeling nervous"
  • "Nervous about…”
  • "Don’t be nervous"
  • “I get nervous when…”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "nervous" in? (e.g., a story, a conversation, an email?)
  • What specifically are you unsure about? (e.g., the best way to describe a feeling, how to use it with other words?)

Synonyms for the word nervous

Idioms of the word nervous

be frightened/nervous/scared of your own shadow
to be very easily frightened; to be very nervous

    Practice with vocabulary nervous

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. During her first major public speaking engagement, she felt incredibly ________ before stepping onto the stage.
    2. The team became ________ as the deadline for the critical project approached, knowing they still had significant tasks to complete.
    3. He was extremely ________ about his upcoming job interview, reviewing all possible questions for hours.
    4. The manager appeared quite ________ after receiving the unexpected news about the budget cuts and impending layoffs.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Before the important client presentation, the young associate felt a distinct sense of ________, checking his notes repeatedly. a) enthusiasm b) apprehension c) excitement d) nervousness

    2. Waiting for the university admission results, many students reported feeling ________ and found it hard to concentrate on other tasks. a) relaxed b) calm c) agitated d) nervous

    3. The sudden, unexpected announcement of a company-wide audit left many employees feeling ________ about their roles and job security. a) confident b) optimistic c) uneasy d) nervous

    4. Despite months of rigorous training, the athlete was ________ before the final Olympic race, knowing the stakes were incredibly high. a) composed b) serene c) tense d) calm

    5. She was ________ to hear back about the prestigious scholarship application, constantly checking her email for updates. a) indifferent b) eager c) unconcerned d) passive

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. He found it difficult to speak clearly during the panel discussion because he was experiencing a lot of anxiety.
    2. Her heart pounded, and her hands trembled slightly as she waited for the interview results; she was clearly apprehensive.
    3. The prolonged uncertainty about the company's financial future made everyone in the department nervous.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. nervous
    2. nervous
    3. anxious / apprehensive
    4. stressed / worried

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) apprehension, d) nervousness
    2. c) agitated, d) nervous
    3. c) uneasy, d) nervous
    4. c) tense
    5. b) eager

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. He found it difficult to speak clearly during the panel discussion because he was feeling very nervous.
    2. Her heart pounded, and her hands trembled slightly as she waited for the interview results; she was clearly experiencing nervousness.
    3. The prolonged uncertainty about the company's financial future made everyone in the department anxious.

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