anxious
Easy difficulty
What does “anxious” mean?
experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.
SAT Usage
The term is typically used in contexts involving emotional states, decision-making, or personal dilemmas. It emphasizes a heightened level of concern or fear that can affect judgment, distinguishing it from similar words like "nervous," which may imply a more transient or less intense feeling.
Common Confusions
Anxious implies a deep, persistent level of worry, while nervous usually suggests a temporary feeling of unease associated with a specific situation.
Do not choose anxious if the context emphasizes calmness or contentment rather than experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.
Example Sentences
-
I could tell she was anxious as she was biting her nails.
-
There was an anxious wait before the results were revealed.
-
All the voters were anxious to hear the election result.