What does nervous mean?
Nervous is an adjective describing a state of anxiety, worry, or unease, especially when facing an unfamiliar, difficult, or uncertain situation. Someone who is nervous may feel apprehensive, tremulous, or self-conscious, and the word often suggests heightened alertness rather than outright panic. It can also describe a person who is easily excited or restless, as in nervous energy, and it is an important term in the established expression nervous system, referring to the body’s network of nerves. In everyday use, nervous is common and neutral, though it can imply a degree of self-doubt or lack of confidence. The word derives from Latin nervosus, “of or relating to nerves,” ultimately from nervus, meaning sinew or tendon.
adjectiveFeeling or showing anxiety, unease, or apprehension. It can also describe a person who is easily excited or unsettled, and is commonly used in the expression nervous system.
- Feeling or showing anxiety, worry, or unease, especially about an upcoming event or uncertain situation.
- Characterized by nervous energy, restlessness, or heightened excitement.
- Of or relating to the nervous system.
"She became nervous before the presentation and worried that she might forget her lines."
"He felt nervous as he stepped onto the stage."
"The nervous system carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body."
The word “nervous” comes from the Latin nervus, meaning sinew or tendon, so it originally referred to the physical fibers that carry sensations and signals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nervous come from?
Nervous entered English through Latin nervosus, meaning “of or relating to nerves.” Its deeper root is Latin nervus, meaning sinew, tendon, or nerve, the source of English nerve and related forms. The word originally had a physical and anatomical sense before developing its modern emotional meaning of anxiety or uneasiness.
Related word forms
How nervous is actually used
In its most common sense, nervous is informal but standard and often implies worry rather than extreme fear. “Nervous wreck” is an established informal expression for someone who is extremely anxious or unsettled.