nervously
Definition
Adverb 1. In a nervous manner; with anxiety or agitation: Describes an action done while feeling or showing nervousness, which is a state of being easily agitated or alarmed, often marked by restlessness or tension. 2. With apprehension or worry: Indicates doing something while feeling uneasy or fearful about what might happen.
Usage
The adverb "nervously" modifies verbs to describe how an action is performed. It is used to convey that the subject is in a state of nervous tension while doing something. * It typically comes after the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause. * It can also be placed before the main verb for emphasis.
Examples
- She laughed nervously when asked about the missing report.
- The speaker cleared his throat and began nervously.
- He glanced nervously at the clock every few minutes.
- "Is everything okay?" she asked, smiling nervously.
Advanced Usage
- "nervously excited": A common collocation describing a mixed state of anxiety and positive anticipation.
- The children waited nervously excited for the concert to begin.
- Used to describe cautious or hesitant actions driven by fear.
- The deer approached the clearing nervously, ready to bolt.
Variants and Related Words
- Nervous (adjective): The root word. Meaning easily agitated or anxious; relating to the nerves.
- She felt nervous before her interview.
- Nervousness (noun): The state or quality of being nervous.
- His nervousness was obvious from his trembling hands.
Synonyms
- Anxiously: With worry or unease about an imminent event.
- Apprehensively: With anxious fear about the future.
- Jitterily: In a restless, nervous way (informal).
- Tensely: With mental or emotional strain.
Antonyms
- Calmly: In a peaceful, quiet, and untroubled manner.
- Confidently: In a self-assured way.
- Relaxedly: In a comfortable and leisurely manner.
Adverb
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with nervous excitement
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our bodies jumped nervously away at the slightest touch
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in an anxiously nervous manner
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we watched the stock market nervously
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