trepidation

/,trepi'deiʃn/
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trepidation

She felt a wave of trepidation before stepping onto the stage.

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.
trepidation

She felt a wave of trepidation before stepping onto the stage.

Noun
  1. a feeling of alarm or dread