apprehensive
/ˌæpɹɪˈhɛnsɪv/ adjective, noun
- adjective Anticipating something with anxiety, fear, or doubt; reluctant.
- adjective (obsolete) Perceptive; quick to learn; capable of understanding using one's intellect.
- noun (grammar) A mood indicating an undesired outcome.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Latin apprehensīvus, from apprehensus, perfect passive participle of apprehendō (“to apprehend, understand, learn”) + -īvus (“-ive”).
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Capable of apprehending, or quick to do so; apt; discerning.
- adjective Knowing; conscious; cognizant. [R.]
Etymology [Cf. F. appréhensif. See Apprehend.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “apprehensive”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details