What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apprehension
Example
She felt a sense of apprehension before her job interview. [apprehension: noun]
Example
He apprehensively approached the edge of the cliff, unsure if he should jump. [apprehensively: adverb]
misgiving
Example
I have misgivings about his ability to complete the project on time. [misgivings: plural noun]
Example
She had a strong misgiving that something was not right about the deal. [misgiving: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apprehension is more commonly used than misgiving in everyday language. Apprehension is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts, while misgiving is less common and carries a stronger connotation of doubt or suspicion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apprehension and misgiving?
While apprehension can be used in both formal and informal contexts, misgiving is more commonly used in formal writing or when expressing a stronger sense of doubt or skepticism.
