anxious

/ˈæŋkʃəs/
adjectiveIntermediate
formalinformal

Feeling nervous, worried, or uneasy about something that might happen.

He was anxious about the test results.

He was worried and nervous about the outcome of his test.

The anxious parents waited for their child to return home.

The nervous parents were worried while waiting for their child to come back.

💡

Often used to describe a state of tension or apprehension about future events.

Collocations

anxious toeager or impatient to do somethinganxious aboutworried or concerned about something

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Anxious' is often used to describe a state of worry or nervousness about something that might happen in the future.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'anxious' is a useful word, avoid using it too frequently in formal writing. Use synonyms like 'worried' or 'concerned' for variety.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *anxious*, from Latin *anxios*, meaning 'troubled, anxious', from *angere* (to choke, distress).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used to describe both people and situations. Often followed by 'about' or 'to' to specify the cause of the anxiety.

Word Breakdown

anx
troubled, distressed
root
+
-ious
having the quality of
suffix
English Dictionary