# nervously

**Pronunciation:** /ˈnɜːrvəsli/ · NUR-vus-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that shows anxiety or unease.

## Examples

- She spoke nervously about her upcoming presentation.
- The dog whined nervously at the door, waiting to be let out.
- He nervously checked his phone for messages.

## Synonyms

- anxiously — Suggests a strong worry about future events.
- apprehensively — Implies fear or dread about what might happen.
- timidly — Focuses on shyness or lack of confidence.
- uneasily — Suggests general discomfort or lack of relaxation.

## Antonyms

- confidently — Shows self-assurance and belief in one's abilities.
- calmly — Without agitation or excitement.
- boldly — With courage or without fear.

## Common patterns

- nervously await — To wait for something with anxiety and anticipation. — They nervously awaited the results of the election.
- nervously glance — To look at something quickly and with anxiety. — He nervously glanced at his watch during the meeting.

## Collocations

- act nervously — He acted nervously when the police officer approached his car.
- speak nervously — She spoke nervously, her voice trembling slightly.
- look nervously — He looked nervously over his shoulder, as if expecting someone.
- laugh nervously — She laughed nervously at the awkward joke.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/nervously

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