Definition

Adverb: * In an anxious or fearful manner; with worry or apprehension about something that might happen. It describes the way someone does something when they are feeling nervous, uneasy, or expecting something unpleasant.

Usage

The adverb "apprehensively" is used to modify a verb, describing how an action is performed. It indicates the action is done with a feeling of anxiety or dread. * It typically comes before the main verb it modifies (e.g., She looked apprehensively at the dark alley). * It can also be placed at the beginning or end of a clause for emphasis (e.g., Apprehensively, he opened the email or He waited for the results, apprehensively).

Examples

• She apprehensively glanced over her shoulder, feeling as though she was being followed.
• The students waited apprehensively for their exam results to be posted.
• He stepped apprehensively onto the old, creaky wooden bridge.
• "Are you sure this is safe?" she asked apprehensively.

Advanced Usage

• "To watch/look/glance apprehensively": A common collocation describing a cautious, worried way of observing something.
  • The cat watched the new dog apprehensively from under the sofa.
• "To wait/apprehensively await": Describes waiting with nervous anticipation.
  • The community apprehensively awaited the hurricane's arrival.

Variants and Related Words

• Apprehensive (adjective): Feeling anxiety or fear about something that may happen.
  • He gave an apprehensive smile before the interview.
• Apprehension (noun): Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
  • She felt a sense of apprehension before the surgery.

Synonyms

• Anxiously
• Nervously
• Uneasily
• Fearfully
• Trepidatiously

Antonyms

• Confidently
• Calmly
• Fearlessly
• Assuredly

Adverb

1. with anxiety or apprehension
   • we watched anxiously