jittery
/ˈdʒɪtəri/nervous or anxious, especially due to excitement or anticipation
The caffeine made him feel jittery all morning.
The caffeine caused him to feel restless and anxious.
Investors were jittery about the stock market's sudden drop.
Investors felt uneasy and anxious due to the stock market's sudden decline.
Often used to describe physical sensations like shakiness or restlessness caused by nerves.
Collocations
💡Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'jittery'
While 'jittery' is useful for describing temporary nervousness, avoid using it for chronic anxiety conditions. Use 'anxious' or 'nervous' instead in formal or medical contexts.
⚡Gold Rule
Use 'jittery' for physical sensations
'Jittery' often implies physical symptoms like shakiness or restlessness, not just mental anxiety. For example, 'The loud noise made her jittery' suggests physical reaction.
📖Word Origin
Mid 19th century: from jitter + -y, originally US slang.
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in informal contexts to describe temporary nervousness or anxiety. Not typically used for long-term anxiety disorders.