apprehensive
/ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/Another word for worried — nervous about something bad that might happen soon.
Example: I felt apprehensive before my first driving test.
B216 words · Upper-intermediate
Feelings & Attitudes vocabulary — B2
Feelings and attitudes vocabulary for more complex reactions — apprehensive, reluctant, dismayed and eager — telling a wary, sullen mood apart from one that is genuinely frantic.
16 questions
Words in this set
16indifferent
/ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/The opposite of interested — showing no real reaction, whether things go well or badly.
Example:
He stayed indifferent through the whole debate, scrolling on his phone.
overwhelmed
/ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmd/Another word for stressed — with far more to deal with than you can manage.
Example:
New parents often feel overwhelmed in the first few weeks.
reluctant
/rɪˈlʌktənt/The opposite of eager — unwilling to do something.
Example:
He was reluctant to admit he'd made a mistake.
resentful
/rɪˈzɛntfəl/The opposite of grateful — bitter about how you've been treated.
Example:
She grew resentful after being passed over for the promotion twice.
apathetic
/ˌæpəˈθɛtɪk/The opposite of passionate — showing no real energy or interest in anything.
Example:
The students seemed apathetic about the upcoming exams.
disgruntled
/dɪsˈɡrʌntəld/The opposite of satisfied — annoyed about a decision or a situation.
Example:
The disgruntled passengers complained loudly about the delay.
eager
/ˈiɡər/The opposite of reluctant — keen and enthusiastic to do something.
Example:
She was eager to start her first day at the new job.
appreciative
/əˈpriʃiˌeɪtɪv/Another word for thankful — used when you clearly show you're grateful for something.
Example:
The team was truly appreciative of all the extra help.
dismayed
/dɪˈsmeɪd/Another word for upset — used when something turns out badly and disappoints you.
Example:
He was dismayed to find the shop had already closed.
vexed
/vɛkst/Another word for annoyed — slightly angry and a little worried as well.
Example:
She was vexed by the tone of the reply more than its content.
wary
/ˈwɛri/Another word for cautious — careful because something might be dangerous.
Example:
She was wary of anyone who agreed with her too quickly.
smug
/smʌɡ/Another word for self-satisfied — pleased with yourself in a way that irritates.
Example:
He looked smug for the rest of the afternoon.
sullen
/ˈsʌlən/Another word for bad-tempered — silent and refusing to be cheered up.
Example:
The whole team went sullen after the second goal.
downcast
/ˈdaʊnˌkæst/Another word for sad — low in spirits and without much hope left.
Example:
The whole crew looked downcast after the announcement.
frantic
/ˈfræntɪk/Another word for panicked — behaving wildly because you are frightened.
Example:
She made a frantic search of every pocket she owned.
