Is “Nervous” an Adjective? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, “nervous” is an adjective that can be used to describe various states of anxiety, apprehension, or unease. This comprehensive guide delves into the advanced details and grammatical specifications of the word “nervous” to provide a thorough understanding for English language learners and enthusiasts.

Meaning and Synonyms of “Nervous”

The adjective “nervous” can be used to convey a range of emotional and psychological states. It can mean feeling uneasy, anxious, or apprehensive about something. Additionally, “nervous” can describe someone who is easily excited or irritated. Some synonyms of “nervous” include:

• Uneasy
• Anxious
• Tense
• Restless
• Unsettling

Usage Examples of “Nervous” as an Adjective

The adjective “nervous” can be employed in various contexts to describe a person’s emotional state or a situation that evokes unease. Here are some examples:

• “She is nervous about her job interview.”
• “I felt really nervous before the exam.”
• “He has a nervous disposition.”

Grammatical Specifications of “Nervous”

Adverb Form: “Nervously”

The adverb form of “nervous” is “nervously,” which can be used to describe actions performed with anxiety or unease. For instance:

• “She smiled nervously.”

Noun Form: “Nervousness”

The noun form of “nervous” is “nervousness,” which refers to the state of being nervous or anxious. For example:

• “He tried to hide his nervousness.”

Idiomatic Expressions with “Nervous”

The adjective “nervous” can be used in idiomatic expressions to convey a heightened state of anxiety or agitation. One such example is “nervous wreck,” which describes someone who is extremely anxious or agitated. For instance:

• “By the time the police arrived, I was a nervous wreck.”

Collocations with “Nervous”

The adjective “nervous” often collocates, or appears in close association, with certain prepositions and adverbs. Some common collocations include:

• “Nervous about” (e.g., “I was nervous about the interview.”)
• “Nervous of” (e.g., “She was nervous of the dog.”)
• “Nervous before” (e.g., “I felt nervous before the exam.”)
• “Nervous at” (e.g., “He was nervous at the thought of public speaking.”)

Etymology of “Nervous”

The word “nervous” originates from the Latin “nervosus,” meaning “sinewy” or “vigorous,” which is related to the Greek “neuron,” meaning “nerve.” The adjective has been used in the English language since the late Middle English period.

Conclusion

In summary, “nervous” is a versatile adjective that can be used to describe a wide range of emotional and psychological states, from anxiety and apprehension to excitement and irritability. Understanding the advanced details and grammatical specifications of this word, including its adverb and noun forms, idiomatic expressions, and common collocations, can greatly enhance one’s ability to communicate effectively in English.

References:
– Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). NERVOUS Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervous
– Dictionary.com. (n.d.). NERVOUS Definition & Meaning – Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nervous
– Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Nervous Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous
– Oxford Learners Dictionaries. (n.d.). nervous adjective – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/nervous
– Oxford Learners Dictionaries. (n.d.). nervous adjective – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/nervous