Definition

Noun: A feeling of alarm, dread, or fearful agitation; a state of nervous anxiety or apprehension about something that may happen.

Usage

The word "trepidation" describes a strong, often physical, feeling of fear or anxiety about something in the future. It is a formal word, commonly used in both written and spoken English to express a sense of nervous anticipation. - It is typically used as a non-count noun (e.g., with trepidation, full of trepidation). - It often appears in contexts involving new, unknown, or potentially dangerous situations.

Examples

• She opened the exam results with great trepidation.
• He felt a sense of trepidation before his first public speech.
• The investors viewed the market volatility with trepidation.

Advanced Usage

• "trepidation of": This construction is less common but can be used to specify the source of the fear.
  • The trepidation of failure can be paralyzing.
• "trepidation at": Used to indicate the cause or situation provoking the feeling.
  • She felt trepidation at the thought of moving to a new country.

Variants and Related Words

• Trepidatious (adjective): Feeling or showing trepidation; apprehensive.
  • The trepidatious hiker paused before crossing the narrow bridge.
• Trepid (adjective): An archaic or rare synonym for trepidatious.
• Trepidity (noun): A rare noun form meaning the state of being trepid.

Synonyms

• Apprehension: Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
• Dread: Great fear or apprehension about something in the future.
• Alarm: A sudden fear or distressing suspense caused by an awareness of danger.
• Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Antonyms

• Composure: The state of being calm and in control of oneself.
• Confidence: The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
• Calmness: The state of being free from agitation or strong emotion.

Idioms and Phrases

• "With trepidation": This is the most common idiomatic phrase, meaning to do something while feeling fear or anxiety.
  • He approached the principal's office with trepidation.
• "A sense of trepidation": A common phrase to describe the feeling.
  • A sense of trepidation filled the room as they awaited the verdict.

Noun

1. a feeling of alarm or dread