What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trepidation
Example
I felt a sense of trepidation before my first day at a new job. [trepidation: noun]
Example
She approached the edge of the cliff with trepidation, unsure of whether it was safe to proceed. [trepidation: noun]
anxiety
Example
He suffers from anxiety and finds it difficult to relax in social situations. [anxiety: noun]
Example
The thought of giving a speech in front of a large audience fills her with anxiety. [anxiety: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anxiety is a more commonly used word than trepidation in everyday language. Anxiety is a well-known mental health condition that affects many people, while trepidation is a less common word that is often used in more specific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between trepidation and anxiety?
Trepidation is generally considered a more formal word than anxiety. It is often used in writing or formal speech, while anxiety is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.