apprehensive — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Anticipating something with anxiety, fear, or doubt; reluctant.

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   This convinc'd me that there was no going on Shore for us in the Night upon that Coaſt, and how to venture on Shore in the Day was another Queſtion too; for to have fallen into the Hands of any of the Savages, had been as bad as to have fallen into the Hands of Lyons and Tygers; at leaſt we were equally apprehenſive of the Danger of it.

   But Claggart's was no vulgar form of the passion. Nor, as directed toward Billy Budd, did it partake of that streak of apprehensive jealousy that marred Saul's visage perturbedly brooding on the comely young David. Claggart's envy struck deeper.

   Never before in his life had Dan Holland feared anything, but now he was apprehensive for the safety of this trim blond creature before him.

2. Perceptive; quick to learn; capable of understanding using one's intellect.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   More fond of Miracles, than apprehensive of Truth.

Noun

1. A mood indicating an undesired outcome.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

   Examples

   In 16.66 the non-visual apprehensive is used with the third-person.

Adjective

1. quick to understand

   Synonyms

   discerning

2. mentally upset over possible misfortune or danger etc

   Synonyms

   worried

   Examples

   apprehensive about her job

   not used to a city and worried about small things

   More examples (1)

   felt apprehensive about the consequences

3. in fear or dread of possible evil or harm

   Examples

   apprehensive for one's life

   apprehensive of danger