What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anxious
Example
I'm anxious about the upcoming exam. [anxious: adjective]
Example
She anxiously waited for the phone call with the job offer. [anxiously: adverb]
apprehensive
Example
He felt apprehensive about speaking in public. [apprehensive: adjective]
Example
They were apprehensively waiting for the test results. [apprehensively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anxious is more commonly used than apprehensive in everyday language. It is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts related to worry or unease. Apprehensive is slightly less common but can still be used in various situations to express similar emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anxious and apprehensive?
While both anxious and apprehensive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, apprehensive may sound slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
