What is trepidation? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of trepidation

trepidationnoun

/ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃn//ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "trepidation." It's a tricky word! Here's a phonetic breakdown and some tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/trəˈpɪdɪʃən/

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • trə – Sounds like "truh" (like the beginning of "true") – the 'ə' is a schwa sound (a very short, unstressed vowel – like the 'a' in "about").
  • ˈpɪ – This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "pigh" (like the pig). Emphasis on this syllable is key.
  • dɪ – Sounds like "dee" (as in "deep")
  • ʃən – Sounds like “shun” (as in “sun”) – with a ‘sh’ sound.

Putting it together, it's approximately:

truh-pigh-dee-shun

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure you really emphasize the second syllable ("pigh"). This is what will make the word sound correct.
  • Schwa Sound: The first syllable ("truh") uses a schwa sound. This sound is very common in English and is often reduced or dropped in casual speech. Don’t over-emphasize it.
  • 'sh' sound: The last syllable ("shun") has that distinctive 'sh' sound, like in "ship."

Resources to Hear It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word trepidation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "trepidation" effectively in English. It's a fantastic word that adds a layer of nuance to feelings of anxiety or fear.

1. What Does "Trepidation" Mean?

  • Core Meaning: Trepidation is a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that is going to happen. However, it's more than just simple fear. It suggests a sense of apprehension, hesitation, and perhaps even a feeling of unease about the potential outcome. It’s a deeper, more considered dread.

  • Key Distinctions: It’s similar to "apprehension" and "dread," but often carries a stronger implication of uncertainty and reluctance.

2. How to Use "Trepidation" in a Sentence:

Here are examples showing different ways to integrate it into sentences:

  • Basic Usage: “I felt a wave of trepidation as I walked towards the courtroom.” (Focuses on the immediate feeling)

  • Describing a Situation: "She approached the interview with trepidation, worried about failing to meet the employer’s expectations." (Highlights the cause of the feeling - the situation)

  • Expressing Inner Thoughts: “Despite his enthusiasm for the adventure, he felt a quiet trepidation about venturing into the wilderness alone.” (Shows a conflict of feelings - excitement vs. fear)

  • Emphasizing Hesitation: “He hesitated, filled with trepidation, before finally agreeing to take on the project.” (Highlights reluctance)

  • Describing a Physical Response (often implied): "A shiver of trepidation ran down her spine as she heard the creaking door." (Suggests a physical manifestation of the feeling)

3. Synonyms and Related Words:

Knowing synonyms can help you choose the best word for the context:

  • Apprehension: Similar, but often a little less intense.
  • Dread: A stronger, more profound feeling of fear.
  • Anxiety: A general feeling of worry and unease.
  • Hesitation: Focusing on the reluctance to act.
  • Unease: A subtle feeling of discomfort or worry.

4. When is "Trepidation" a Good Choice?

Use "trepidation" when you want to convey:

  • A thoughtful, considered fear: It’s not just a quick jump of fright.
  • A feeling of uncertainty about the future: The anxiety often stems from not knowing what will happen.
  • Reluctance or hesitation: The person experiencing it is not eager to do something.
  • A more formal or literary tone: It’s a slightly more sophisticated word than “fear.”

5. Example Paragraph Using "Trepidation":

“The email arrived with a noticeable delay, and a wave of trepidation washed over me as I opened it. I'd been anxiously awaiting the results of my medical tests for weeks, and the possibility of bad news filled me with a quiet dread. Even though I knew it was important to read it promptly, I hesitated, feeling a profound trepidation about what the doctor might say.”

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "trepidation" in different contexts?
  • Help you brainstorm sentences using the word?
  • Compare "trepidation" to a specific related word (like "apprehension")?

Synonyms for the word trepidation

Practice with vocabulary trepidation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The junior analyst approached his first presentation to the board with a noticeable feeling of _____, despite extensive preparation.
  2. Before accepting the challenging overseas assignment, the manager weighed the risks with a degree of _____, considering the impact on his family.
  3. The project team's ______ in checking every line of code prevented a major system failure during the launch.
  4. There was a shared sense of ______ among the interns as they awaited the announcement of their final placements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

(There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Facing the high-stakes negotiation, the CEO felt a mix of _______ and determination. A. Elation B. Trepidation C. Certainty D. Unease

  2. Before the announcement of the merger, there was a palpable sense of _______ throughout the company's offices. A. Jubilation B. Indifference C. Trepidation D. Restlessness

  3. The student approached the final oral examination with considerable _______. A. Assurance B. Trepidation C. Serenity D. Apprehension

  4. The team's _______ in thoroughly checking all data points prevented a significant error in the quarterly report. A. Carelessness B. Diligence C. Negligence D. Scrutiny

  5. After weeks of intense planning, the product launch was met with widespread _______. A. Frustration B. Elation C. Indifference D. Enthusiasm

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She was incredibly nervous and fearful about delivering her first major international presentation. (Rewrite to use "trepidation")

  2. The exploration team moved into the uncharted territory with great caution and a feeling of impending danger. (Rewrite to use "trepidation")

  3. His extremely careful and thorough work ensured that the complex financial model was absolutely precise. (Rewrite without using "trepidation", using a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. trepidation
  2. trepidation
  3. diligence
  4. anticipation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B. Trepidation, D. Unease
  2. C. Trepidation, D. Restlessness
  3. B. Trepidation, D. Apprehension
  4. B. Diligence, D. Scrutiny
  5. B. Elation, D. Enthusiasm

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She approached her first major international presentation with considerable trepidation.
  2. The exploration team ventured into the uncharted territory with trepidation.
  3. His diligence ensured the complex financial model was absolutely precise.

Comment ()