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Definition of apprehensiveness

apprehensiveness

/ˌæp.ɹɪˈhɛn.sɪv.nəs/
ap · pre · hen · sive · ness
Adverb:apprehensively
•
Adjective:apprehensive
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apprehensiveness Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The state or feeling of being anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen; uneasiness about the future.

Example

"A sense of apprehensiveness settled over the candidates as they waited for the final election results."

2

The quality of being quick to understand, perceive, or learn something (now rare or archaic).

Example

"The tutor praised the young scholar's keen apprehensiveness in mastering complex philosophical arguments."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for apprehensiveness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for apprehensiveness

• Rhymes for apprehensiveness

• Nearby Words

apprehension
apprehensive
apprehensively
apprehensiveness
apprentice
apprenticeship
apprise

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'apprehensive' and the suffix '-ness'. 'Apprehensive' comes from the Late Latin 'apprehensivus', derived from 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize or grasp with the mind'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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