What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fearful
Example
She was fearful of flying after a bad experience on a previous flight. [fearful: adjective]
Example
The fearful child clung to his mother's leg, afraid of the barking dog. [fearful: adjective]
Example
The news of the approaching hurricane left the residents feeling fearful and uncertain. [fearful: adjective]
nervous
Example
He was nervous about his upcoming job interview. [nervous: adjective]
Example
The nervous student fidgeted in his seat during the exam. [nervous: adjective]
Example
The tense atmosphere in the room made everyone nervous. [nervous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nervous is more commonly used than fearful in everyday language. Nervous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fearful is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fearful and nervous?
Both fearful and nervous are appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, but fearful may be considered more formal due to its stronger connotation.
