apprehensive

Etymology

From Latin apprehensīvus, from apprehensus, perfect passive participle of apprehendō (“to apprehend, understand, learn”) + -īvus (“-ive”).

adj

  1. Anticipating something with anxiety, fear, or doubt; reluctant.
    Never before in his life had Dan Holland feared anything, but now he was apprehensive for the safety of this trim blond creature before him. 1947 August, “Death Thumbs A Ride”, in Crime Does Not Pay, number 54, page 45
  2. (obsolete) Perceptive; quick to learn; capable of understanding using one's intellect.
    More fond of Miracles, than apprehensive of Truth. 1670, John Milton, History of Britain

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