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nervous
In everyday conversation, "nervous" most often describes the feeling of anxiety or worry before a big event. When used in a medical context, it refers to the physical nerves and the nervous system, rather than an emotion. Be careful not to confuse being "nervous" (feeling anxious) with being "neurotic" (a more permanent personality trait).
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is hiding in a bathroom stall during her internship.
Chloe Smith
I'm actually nervous about this presentation. Think I'll just flake.
Maya
Stop spiraling and get out there. You've got this.
💡
Chloe uses the word 'nervous' to express her anxiety, paired with the slang 'flake' (to cancel plans or avoid a commitment). Maya responds with 'spiraling', a common term for an escalating cycle of negative thoughts, reflecting her role as the grounded friend providing a reality check.
Meanings
adjective
Easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious.
"She felt nervous before her first public speaking engagement."