What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nervous
Example
I'm nervous about my job interview tomorrow. [nervous: adjective]
Example
She felt nervous before her first public speaking event. [nervous: adjective]
Example
He was nervous around his new coworkers. [nervous: adjective]
jittery
Example
She was so jittery during the exam that she could barely hold her pen. [jittery: adjective]
Example
The caffeine made him feel jittery and unable to focus. [jittery: adjective]
Example
He's always been a bit jittery around loud noises. [jittery: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nervous is more commonly used than jittery in everyday language. Nervous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while jittery is less common and more specific in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nervous and jittery?
Both nervous and jittery are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, nervous can also be used in formal contexts, while jittery is more appropriate for informal situations.