trepidation
Say it: trep-ih-DAY-shun /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən/ · noun
What “trepidation” means
Fear or nervousness about something you are about to do.
More precisely: Fear or nervousness about something that is about to happen.
When to use it
Use it for nervous anticipation before taking a daunting step. It sounds formal, though people also use it playfully.
Memory trick
Latin trepidare means to tremble: picture shaky knees before a daunting first step.
Similar words
fear, anxiety, nervousness
Where it comes from
From Latin trepidare, "to tremble."
Quick check
You stand backstage before your first solo performance, hands trembling as you wait to walk out. What do you feel?
foreboding or trepidation?
Show the answer
trepidation
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