Anxious

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈæŋkʃəs/

Definitions

• Experiencing unease or worry about something with an uncertain outcome.
• Feeling nervous or uneasy, often with physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat or sweating.

Usage Examples

1. She felt anxious about the upcoming exam.
2. Many people experience anxious thoughts before public speaking.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "anxius," meaning "troubled" or "distressed," which comes from "angere," meaning "to strangle" or "to cause anxiety." The word "anxious" has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally meaning "full of anxiety."

Synonyms

• Worried
• Uneasy
• Apprehensive
• Concerned
• Nervous

Antonyms

• Calm
• Relaxed
• Untroubled
• At ease

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the pronunciation is often /ˈæŋkʃəs/ with emphasis on the first syllable.
• In British English, the pronunciation tends to be similar but may feature a slightly softer 'sh' sound: /ˈæŋkʃəs/.

Historical Usage

The word "anxious" has evolved over time. Initially, it referred more specifically to a sense of physical distress, such as suffocating or being strangled, a meaning still reflected in its Latin root. In modern English, it has come to primarily describe mental unease or worry. Over the centuries, the word's usage expanded to encompass both physical and psychological manifestations of worry, with its most common application now referring to emotional anxiety.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the experience and expression of being "anxious" can differ. For example, in Western societies, anxiety is often regarded as an emotional or psychological issue that requires intervention through therapy or medication. In contrast, in some Eastern cultures, physical manifestations of anxiety, such as insomnia or tension, might be more likely to be attributed to imbalances in physical energy or spiritual disturbances, leading to different approaches to treatment.

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