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Definition of apprehensively

apprehensively

/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv.li/
ap · pre · hen · sive · ly
Adjective:apprehensive
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apprehensively Lexical Profile

apprehensively Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In an anxious or fearful manner that anticipates something bad or unpleasant happening.

Example

"The students glanced apprehensively at the clock as the final minutes of the examination ticked away."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for apprehensively

• Nearby Words

apprehend
apprehension
apprehensive
apprehensively
apprehensiveness
apprentice
apprenticeship

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective apprehensive plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Apprehensive derives from Late Latin apprehensivus, from Latin apprehendere ('to seize or grasp, mentally or physically'), combining ad- ('to') and prehendere ('to seize').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apprehensively. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apprehensively
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