nerves
nerves Lexical Profile
nerves Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Feelings of anxiety, apprehension, stress, or excitability experienced before a challenging event; nervousness.
"The young pianist took several deep breaths backstage to calm her nerves before stepping out onto the stage."
Plural form of nerve: bundles of whitish fibers in the body that transmit electrical impulses of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other tissues and organs.
"Peripheral nerves carry sensory information from the skin and muscles back to the central nervous system."
A person's capacity for enduring mental stress, irritation, or emotional strain without losing self-control.
"The constant noise from the construction site outside was beginning to fray everyone's nerves."
• verb
To give strength, vigor, or courage to someone to face a demanding or frightening task (third-person singular present form of nerve).
"She nerves herself for the difficult negotiation ahead by reviewing all the financial facts."
Word Nuance & Usage
In emotional contexts, the singular 'nerve' refers to boldness, courage, or audacity, whereas the plural 'nerves' refers to feelings of anxiety, apprehension, or nervousness.
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Middle English word 'nerf', from Old French, and ultimately from the Latin 'nervus' meaning 'sinew, tendon, or bowstring', cognate with the Ancient Greek 'neuron'.