Apprehension

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən/

Definitions of apprehension

noun understanding or grasp of something

Example Sentences

A1 She felt apprehension before taking the exam.

A2 The child's apprehension about starting a new school was evident.

B1 His apprehension about speaking in public often led to nervousness.

B2 The apprehension of failure motivated her to work harder.

C1 Despite her apprehension, she decided to take on the new challenge.

C2 The apprehension of the unknown kept him on edge throughout the journey.

Examples of apprehension in a Sentence

formal The apprehension of the suspect was carried out by the police with precision.

informal I can sense some apprehension in the air before the big announcement.

slang I have some serious apprehension about meeting my partner's parents for the first time.

figurative Her apprehension towards change was like a heavy weight on her shoulders.

Grammatical Forms of apprehension

past tense

apprehended

plural

apprehensions

comparative

more apprehensive

superlative

most apprehensive

present tense

apprehend

future tense

will apprehend

perfect tense

have apprehended

continuous tense

is apprehending

singular

apprehension

positive degree

apprehensive

infinitive

to apprehend

gerund

apprehending

participle

apprehended

Origin and Evolution of apprehension

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'apprehension' originated from Middle English, derived from Old French 'aprehension' and Latin 'apprehensio', meaning 'seizing' or 'grasping'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'apprehension' evolved to also mean 'fear' or 'anxiety', in addition to its original meaning of 'understanding' or 'perception'.