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C1 adjective #1,500 最常用 14分钟阅读

anxious

前1,500

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'anxious' is generally not introduced immediately, as learners are focused on more basic emotional descriptors like 'happy', 'sad', 'angry', and 'scared'. However, as learners begin to expand their emotional vocabulary, 'anxious' can be introduced as a more advanced synonym for 'very nervous' or 'worried'. At this stage, the explanation should be kept extremely simple and concrete. A teacher might explain that you feel 'anxious' when you have a big test tomorrow and your stomach feels funny, or when you are waiting for an important phone call. The focus is purely on the negative, worry-based definition of the word. The grammatical structure taught at this level is very basic: 'I am anxious' or 'He is anxious'. The preposition 'about' might be introduced as a set phrase, such as 'anxious about the test', but complex grammatical explanations are avoided. The goal is simply for the learner to recognize the word as a feeling of worry and to be able to use it to describe their own basic emotional state in stressful situations. Visual aids, such as pictures of someone biting their nails or looking at a clock nervously, are highly effective at this level to convey the meaning without relying on complex language. The secondary meaning of 'eager' is completely ignored at this stage to prevent confusion. The primary objective is basic comprehension and simple, declarative usage.

As learners progress to the A2 elementary level, their understanding of 'anxious' deepens slightly. They are now capable of using the word in slightly more complex sentences and contexts. At this stage, the focus remains primarily on the meaning of 'worried' or 'nervous', but learners are encouraged to use the word to describe the feelings of others, not just themselves. They learn to construct sentences like 'My mother is anxious about my grades' or 'The dog looks anxious during the storm.' The preposition 'about' is explicitly taught and practiced as the standard colocation for expressing what is causing the worry. Learners at the A2 level also begin to understand that 'anxious' is a stronger, more intense word than just 'nervous'. It implies a deeper level of discomfort. Teachers might use role-playing exercises where students act out scenarios that make them feel anxious, such as going to the dentist or speaking in front of the class. The concept of physical symptoms associated with being anxious, like a fast heartbeat or sweating, can be introduced in simple terms to help solidify the meaning. While the secondary meaning of 'eager' is still generally avoided, learners might encounter it in reading materials and can be briefly told that sometimes it means 'wanting something very much', though they are not expected to produce this usage themselves. The emphasis is on solidifying the primary meaning and its correct prepositional pairing.

At the B1 intermediate level, the instruction surrounding the word 'anxious' becomes significantly more comprehensive. Learners are now expected to fully grasp the primary meaning of worry and apprehension, and they are formally introduced to the secondary meaning of 'eager' or 'strongly desiring'. This duality is a key learning point at this stage. Teachers explain that 'anxious about' means worried, while 'anxious to' means eager but tense. This distinction requires learners to pay close attention to the prepositions and the context of the sentence. B1 learners practice using both forms in their writing and speaking. For example, they might write a paragraph contrasting two situations: 'I am anxious about my job interview tomorrow, but I am also anxious to start working.' Furthermore, at this level, learners are introduced to the noun form 'anxiety' and the adverb form 'anxiously', expanding their word family knowledge. They learn to differentiate between feeling anxious (adjective) and having anxiety (noun). The contexts in which they use the word also expand to include more abstract concepts, such as being anxious about the future, the environment, or societal issues, moving beyond immediate, concrete fears. Listening exercises might include news clips or interviews where people express feeling anxious, challenging learners to identify which meaning is intended based on the speaker's tone and the surrounding context. Mastery at this level involves comfortable, accurate usage of both primary meanings.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to use 'anxious' with a high degree of fluency and nuance. They should effortlessly navigate between the meanings of 'worried' and 'eager' without hesitation, using the correct prepositions ('about', 'to', 'for') instinctively. At this stage, the focus shifts to the subtle connotations and the intensity of the word. Learners explore how 'anxious' compares to synonyms like 'apprehensive', 'uneasy', 'fretful', and 'impatient'. They learn that 'anxious' carries a specific weight—it's not just a fleeting worry, but often a persistent state of tension. B2 learners are encouraged to use modifiers to express degree, such as 'deeply anxious', 'increasingly anxious', or 'mildly anxious'. They also encounter the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as attributive usage (e.g., 'an anxious wait', 'an anxious glance'). In reading and listening, they are exposed to authentic materials—such as literature, opinion pieces, and psychological articles—where 'anxious' is used to describe complex emotional states or societal moods. Writing tasks might involve analyzing a character's anxious behavior in a story or discussing the causes of an anxious society in an essay. The goal at the B2 level is not just grammatical accuracy, but stylistic appropriateness, ensuring that the learner uses 'anxious' in a way that sounds natural and precise to a native speaker, fully grasping its emotional depth.

At the C1 advanced level, the learner's command of the word 'anxious' should be near-native. The focus is no longer on basic definitions or grammatical structures, but on stylistic mastery, idiomatic usage, and understanding the word within highly specialized or abstract contexts. C1 learners are expected to recognize and produce the word in clinical, academic, and literary contexts. They understand the difference between everyday anxiousness and clinical anxiety disorders. They can engage in sophisticated discussions about the psychological mechanisms of feeling anxious, using related vocabulary like 'trigger', 'coping mechanism', and 'manifestation'. In writing, they use 'anxious' to create specific tones and atmospheres, understanding how it interacts with other words in a sentence to build tension. They are also highly attuned to the register of the word, knowing when 'anxious' is the perfect choice and when a more formal word like 'apprehensive' or a more colloquial phrase like 'on edge' might be better suited. C1 learners can effortlessly decode complex sentences where the meaning of 'anxious' relies heavily on subtle contextual clues. They might analyze how a politician's 'anxious rhetoric' affects public perception, or how an author uses 'anxious pacing' to drive a narrative. Mastery at this level means the word is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, used with precision, elegance, and a deep understanding of its cultural and psychological resonance.

At the C2 proficiency level, the understanding and application of the word 'anxious' are indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. C2 learners possess an intuitive grasp of the word's etymology, its historical shifts in meaning, and its subtle interplay with the evolving landscape of the English language. They can deconstruct the word's usage in classic literature, noting how its connotation might have differed in the 19th century compared to modern psychological discourse. They are capable of using 'anxious' in highly creative, poetic, or unconventional ways, bending the rules of standard usage for rhetorical effect while maintaining absolute clarity. For instance, they might use it to personify inanimate objects or abstract concepts in a compelling way (e.g., 'the anxious architecture of the city'). At this level, learners are also acutely aware of the sociolinguistic aspects of the word—how its usage might vary across different English-speaking cultures, demographics, or professional jargon. They can critically analyze texts that discuss the 'age of anxiety', engaging with complex philosophical and sociological arguments about modern life. The C2 learner doesn't just use the word 'anxious'; they command it, utilizing its full spectrum of meaning, from the most visceral, paralyzing dread to the most taut, vibrating eagerness, to articulate the profound complexities of the human condition with absolute precision and profound eloquence.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

anxious 30秒了解

Feeling worried or nervous about the future.
Experiencing stress due to uncertainty.
Eager or impatient to do something.
Showing signs of mental or physical tension.

The adjective 'anxious' is a highly nuanced and frequently utilized word in the English language, serving as a critical descriptor for a wide array of human emotions and psychological states. At its most fundamental level, 'anxious' describes a state of feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. This primary definition is deeply intertwined with the human experience of anticipation, particularly when that anticipation is colored by fear, apprehension, or a lack of control over future events. When an individual is described as anxious, they are typically experiencing a multifaceted stress response. Cognitively, their mind may be preoccupied with potential negative outcomes, engaging in a cycle of overthinking or catastrophizing. Physiologically, this mental state often manifests in physical symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, shallow or rapid breathing, muscle tension, sweating, or a general sense of restlessness and agitation. This form of anxiety is a universal human experience, manifesting in everyday situations ranging from the mild nervousness one might feel before a public speaking engagement, a job interview, or a first date, to the profound dread and existential unease associated with significant life changes, financial instability, or serious medical diagnoses.

She felt incredibly anxious as she waited in the sterile hallway for the doctor to return with her test results.

Psychological Context: In clinical psychology, being anxious is recognized as a symptom of various anxiety disorders, though feeling anxious occasionally is a normal, healthy emotion.

However, the complexity of the word 'anxious' extends beyond mere worry. A secondary, yet equally vital, definition of the word describes a strong desire or eagerness to do something, often accompanied by a palpable sense of tension or urgency. In this specific context, the connotation of the word shifts significantly from a purely negative emotion of fear to one of intense anticipation, motivation, and sometimes impatience.

The young children were anxious to open their presents on Christmas morning, bouncing with uncontrollable energy.

For example, a person might be 'anxious to please' their new employer, indicating that they are highly motivated and eager to make a favorable impression. Yet, even in this positive light, the eagerness is still underscored by a subtle tension or a fear of failure, distinguishing it from pure, unadulterated excitement.

Eagerness vs. Worry: While 'eager' implies enthusiastic anticipation without fear, 'anxious' in the sense of eagerness implies a desperate or tense desire for something to happen.

After months of rigorous training, the athlete was anxious to prove her worth in the championship game.

Understanding this duality is absolutely crucial for mastering the word 'anxious' and interpreting it correctly in various contexts. The context in which the word is used, along with the accompanying prepositions, usually dictates which meaning is intended. When someone is 'anxious about' something, they are worried. When they are 'anxious for' something or 'anxious to' do something, they are typically eager, though still tense.

He grew increasingly anxious about the impending storm as the sky turned a bruised, ominous purple.

Historical Usage: Historically, 'anxious' derives from the Latin 'anxius', which means 'choking' or 'tightly squeezed', perfectly capturing the physical sensation of anxiety.

The investors were anxious for the startup to launch its new product, hoping for a quick return on their capital.

Ultimately, 'anxious' is a word that bridges the gap between fear and desire, capturing the complex, often uncomfortable tension that arises when human beings are faced with the unknown or the highly anticipated. It is a testament to the richness of English that a single word can encapsulate such a broad spectrum of nervous energy, from paralyzing dread to propulsive eagerness.

Mastering the usage of the word 'anxious' requires a keen understanding of its grammatical structures, specifically the prepositions that follow it, as these prepositions fundamentally alter the word's meaning. The most common construction is 'anxious about', which is used when the speaker intends to convey worry, nervousness, or apprehension regarding a specific event, situation, or outcome. This structure is universally understood to carry a negative connotation, indicating that the subject is experiencing stress or fear.

Many students feel deeply anxious about their final exams, fearing that a poor grade will ruin their academic prospects.

Anxious About: Use 'anxious about' followed by a noun or gerund to express worry concerning a specific topic or event.

Conversely, when 'anxious' is followed by the preposition 'to' and an infinitive verb (e.g., 'anxious to see', 'anxious to leave'), the meaning shifts dramatically toward eagerness or a strong desire to perform an action. In this construction, the subject is not necessarily fearful, but rather impatient or highly motivated, though a sense of nervous tension remains.

After living abroad for five years, she was incredibly anxious to return home and reunite with her family.

Another common construction is 'anxious for', which is typically followed by a noun or a pronoun. This usage also conveys a strong desire or eagerness, similar to 'anxious to', but it focuses on a desired outcome or a person rather than an action to be performed by the subject.

The besieged city was anxious for peace after months of relentless conflict and deprivation.

Anxious For: Use 'anxious for' when expressing a strong, tense desire for a specific noun, outcome, or state of affairs.

Furthermore, 'anxious' can be used attributively, meaning it is placed directly before a noun to describe it. For example, one might speak of an 'anxious wait', an 'anxious glance', or an 'anxious parent'. In these cases, the adjective transfers the feeling of worry or nervous anticipation to the noun it modifies. An 'anxious wait' is a period of waiting characterized by anxiety; an 'anxious glance' is a look that reveals the person's internal nervousness.

He cast an anxious glance at the clock, realizing he was going to be late for the most important meeting of his career.

Adverbial Form: The adverbial form is 'anxiously', which is frequently used to describe how an action is performed (e.g., waiting anxiously, pacing anxiously).

The mother spent an anxious night by her sick child's bedside, listening to every breath.

It is also important to note the degree to which 'anxious' can be modified. Adverbs of degree such as 'deeply', 'highly', 'extremely', 'increasingly', and 'slightly' are frequently paired with 'anxious' to calibrate the intensity of the emotion being described. A person might be 'slightly anxious' about a minor inconvenience, but 'deeply anxious' about a major life crisis. Understanding these nuances in sentence structure and modification allows for precise and expressive communication, ensuring that the exact shade of nervous anticipation or dread is accurately conveyed to the listener or reader.

The word 'anxious' permeates almost every facet of English communication, reflecting the universal nature of the emotion it describes. You will encounter it frequently in everyday conversational English, where people use it to express their personal feelings about upcoming events, challenges, or uncertainties. In casual dialogue, it is common to hear phrases like, 'I'm feeling a bit anxious about the presentation tomorrow,' or 'She's anxious to get started on the new project.' In these contexts, the word serves as a relatable shorthand for the stress and anticipation that accompany daily life.

During the coffee break, John admitted he was anxious about the upcoming company restructuring and potential layoffs.

Workplace Context: In professional environments, 'anxious' is often used to describe tension surrounding deadlines, performance reviews, or organizational changes.

Beyond casual conversation, 'anxious' is a staple in journalistic and news reporting. Journalists frequently use the word to describe the mood of a population, the state of financial markets, or the atmosphere surrounding political events. You might read headlines such as 'Investors Anxious Ahead of Interest Rate Decision' or 'Anxious Citizens Await Election Results.' In these scenarios, 'anxious' effectively captures a collective sense of unease, volatility, or high-stakes anticipation on a macro level.

The financial markets remained highly anxious as rumors of a global recession continued to circulate among top economists.

Furthermore, the word is deeply embedded in medical, psychological, and therapeutic discourse. In these specialized fields, 'anxious' transitions from a general descriptor of mood to a specific clinical term. Mental health professionals use it to discuss anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and the physiological manifestations of stress. Patients might describe themselves as feeling chronically anxious, leading to discussions about coping mechanisms, therapy, and medication.

The therapist noted that the patient exhibited anxious behaviors, such as continuous fidgeting and avoiding eye contact.

Clinical Usage: In clinical settings, 'anxious' refers to a persistent, often debilitating state of worry that interferes with daily functioning, rather than just temporary nervousness.

Literature and creative writing also rely heavily on the word 'anxious' to build tension, develop characters, and establish atmosphere. Authors use it to draw readers into the internal emotional landscapes of their characters, making their fears and desires palpable. An author might describe an 'anxious silence' filling a room, or a character pacing with 'anxious energy.'

An anxious hush fell over the courtroom as the jury foreman stood up to deliver the final verdict.

Academic Context: In sociology and cultural studies, researchers might analyze 'anxious' populations or the 'age of anxiety' to describe broader societal trends and collective psychological states.

The professor observed that modern students seem increasingly anxious about their future careers in a rapidly changing global economy.

In summary, whether you are listening to a friend vent about their day, reading the front page of a newspaper, consulting with a doctor, or engrossed in a novel, the word 'anxious' is a ubiquitous and indispensable tool for articulating the complex intersection of fear, anticipation, and human vulnerability.

While 'anxious' is a common word, its dual meaning and specific prepositional requirements frequently lead to errors, particularly among non-native speakers and even some native speakers who are careless with their phrasing. The most prevalent mistake is confusing 'anxious' with 'eager' in contexts where no underlying tension or worry is intended. While 'anxious to' can mean 'eager to', it still carries a subtle connotation of nervous energy or impatience. If a person is simply happy and excited about an upcoming event without any accompanying stress, using 'anxious' is technically incorrect and can send the wrong message.

INCORRECT: I am so anxious to go to Disneyland tomorrow! (Implies worry rather than pure joy).

Eager vs. Anxious: Reserve 'anxious' for situations involving worry or tense impatience. Use 'eager' or 'excited' for purely positive anticipation.

Another frequent error involves the misuse of prepositions. Learners often say 'anxious of' instead of 'anxious about'. While one can be 'afraid of' or 'terrified of' something, the correct preposition to link 'anxious' with the source of worry is 'about'. Saying 'I am anxious of the exam' sounds unnatural to a native speaker's ear.

CORRECT: She is anxious about the upcoming performance review with her manager.

Furthermore, confusion arises between 'anxious for' and 'anxious about'. 'Anxious for' implies a strong desire for something to happen or for someone's well-being, whereas 'anxious about' implies worry concerning a situation. For instance, 'I am anxious for my son' means I strongly desire something good for him (or I am worried *on his behalf*), while 'I am anxious about my son' means his actions or situation are causing me worry. Mixing these up can drastically alter the intended meaning of a sentence.

We are anxious for a swift resolution to this ongoing legal dispute.

Preposition Pitfalls: Using 'anxious on' or 'anxious at' is grammatically incorrect. Stick strictly to 'about', 'for', or 'to'.

Additionally, some writers mistakenly use 'anxious' as a noun, which is incorrect. The noun form is 'anxiety'. You cannot say 'I have a lot of anxious'; you must say 'I have a lot of anxiety' or 'I feel very anxious'. This part-of-speech confusion is common among beginners but is easily corrected by understanding word families.

His constant pacing was a clear indicator that he was feeling highly anxious.

Overuse: Avoid overusing 'anxious' to describe mild, fleeting concerns. Reserve it for situations that genuinely provoke a noticeable stress response or intense eagerness.

She was anxious to clarify the misunderstanding before it escalated into a major conflict.

By paying close attention to these common pitfalls—specifically the distinction between eager and anxious, the correct use of prepositions, and maintaining the proper part of speech—learners can significantly elevate their fluency and ensure their intended emotional tone is accurately conveyed.

The English language offers a rich tapestry of synonyms for 'anxious', each carrying its own subtle shade of meaning, intensity, and specific context. Understanding these similar words is crucial for expanding one's vocabulary and achieving precise expression. When 'anxious' is used to mean worried or fearful, words like 'nervous', 'apprehensive', 'uneasy', and 'worried' are common substitutes. 'Nervous' is perhaps the most direct synonym for everyday use, describing a state of being easily agitated or alarmed. However, 'nervous' often implies a more temporary, situational state (like being nervous before a speech), whereas 'anxious' can suggest a deeper, more pervasive sense of dread.

He felt anxious and apprehensive about walking through the dark, unfamiliar neighborhood at night.

Apprehensive vs. Anxious: 'Apprehensive' specifically implies a fear that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen in the future, often based on a logical assessment of risk, whereas 'anxious' can be more generalized.

'Uneasy' is another excellent alternative, suggesting a feeling of discomfort, mild fear, or a sense that something is not quite right. It is less intense than 'anxious' and often describes a gut feeling rather than a full-blown stress response. 'Worried' is a highly common, slightly less formal synonym that focuses specifically on the mental act of dwelling on potential problems.

The mother's anxious expression mirrored the uneasy feeling that had settled in the pit of her stomach.

On the other hand, when 'anxious' is used to mean eager or strongly desirous, the landscape of synonyms shifts entirely. In this context, words like 'eager', 'keen', 'impatient', and 'desirous' come into play. 'Eager' is the most direct substitute, though as noted previously, it lacks the underlying tension of 'anxious'. If you are 'eager' to start a new job, you are purely excited; if you are 'anxious' to start, you are excited but perhaps also stressed about performing well.

The young author was anxious and keen to hear the critics' feedback on her debut novel.

Keen vs. Anxious: 'Keen' (especially in British English) implies a strong, enthusiastic interest, often without the negative nervous energy associated with being anxious.

'Impatient' captures the temporal aspect of being 'anxious to' do something. When you are anxious for a result, you are often impatient, unable to wait calmly. 'Desirous' is a more formal, slightly archaic synonym that emphasizes the strong want or craving aspect of the word.

Growing increasingly impatient, the passengers became anxious for the delayed flight to finally begin boarding.

Fretful: 'Fretful' is a descriptive synonym that implies visible, restless anxiety, often characterized by complaining or physical agitation.

The anxious, fretful child could not sit still in the waiting room, constantly asking when they could leave.

By carefully selecting among these synonyms based on the specific context—whether emphasizing fear, vague discomfort, enthusiastic desire, or restless impatience—speakers and writers can achieve a much higher degree of precision and emotional resonance in their communication.

How Formal Is It?

正式

非正式

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

I am anxious about the test.

Worried about the exam.

Subject + am/is/are + anxious + about + noun.

He is anxious today.

He feels nervous today.

Simple adjective use after the verb 'to be'.

Are you anxious?

Are you worried?

Question form using 'to be'.

She looks very anxious.

She appears very nervous.

Using 'looks' as a linking verb with the adjective.

Do not be anxious.

Don't worry.

Imperative form for giving advice.

The dog is anxious.

The dog is scared/nervous.

Applying the adjective to an animal.

I feel anxious now.

I feel nervous at this moment.

Using 'feel' as a linking verb.

Why is he anxious?

Why is he worried?

Wh- question structure.

She is anxious about her new job.

Worried about starting work.

Anxious + about + noun phrase.

They were anxious before the flight.

Nervous before flying.

Past tense 'were' with 'anxious'.

My parents are anxious about my health.

Worried for my well-being.

Expressing worry for someone else.

He gets anxious when he drives.

Becomes nervous while driving.

Using 'gets' to show a change in state.

I am a little anxious about the meeting.

Slightly worried about the meeting.

Modifying 'anxious' with 'a little'.

The loud noise made the baby anxious.

Caused the baby to be scared.

Make + object + adjective.

We waited in the anxious room.

Waited in a room full of nervous people.

Attributive use (though slightly unnatural, good for practice).

She smiled, but she felt anxious.

Smiled despite feeling nervous.

Contrasting clauses with 'but'.

I am anxious to see the new movie.

Eager to watch the film.

Anxious + to + infinitive verb (meaning eager).

He is anxious for the results of his blood test.

Nervously waiting for medical results.

Anxious + for + noun.

The students were increasingly anxious as the exam approached.

Getting more worried as time passed.

Using the adverb 'increasingly' to show growing intensity.

She tried to hide her anxious feelings from her children.

Attempted to conceal her worry.

Using 'anxious' as an attributive adjective before a noun.

It is normal to feel anxious before a big presentation.

Natural to be nervous before speaking.

Using 'anxious' in a general, impersonal statement.

Despite his anxious state, he managed to speak clearly.

Even though he was nervous, he spoke well.

Using 'anxious state' as a noun phrase.

They waited anxiously for the train to arrive.

Waited with nervousness.

Introduction of the adverb 'anxiously'.

I'm not anxious about the money; I'm anxious about the time.

Not worried about cash, but worried about the schedule.

Contrasting two sources of anxiety.

The CEO was deeply anxious about the company's falling stock prices.

Profoundly worried about financial losses.

Modifying with 'deeply' for strong emphasis.

We are all anxious for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Strongly desiring an end to the fighting.

Anxious for + abstract noun phrase.

Her anxious pacing gave away her internal turmoil.

Her nervous walking revealed her stress.

Attributive use modifying a gerund ('pacing').

He was anxious to prove that he was capable of handling the project.

Eager and tense to show his ability.

Anxious to + infinitive in a complex sentence.

The atmosphere in the room was tense and anxious.

The mood was stressful and nervous.

Using 'anxious' to describe an atmosphere or environment.

She cast an anxious glance toward the door, hoping he would arrive.

Looked nervously at the door.

Collocation: 'anxious glance'.

Growing up in an anxious household affected his adult life.

Living in a stressful home impacted him later.

Describing an environment characterized by anxiety.

He tried to calm his anxious mind through meditation.

Attempted to soothe his worried thoughts.

Collocation: 'anxious mind'.

The nation watched with an anxious eye as the political crisis unfolded.

Observed nervously as events happened.

Idiomatic/literary usage: 'with an anxious eye'.

His prose is characterized by an anxious energy that propels the narrative forward.

His writing has a nervous momentum.

Using 'anxious' to describe a literary style or tone.

She was acutely anxious about the implications of the new policy on marginalized communities.

Sharply worried about the effects on vulnerable groups.

Advanced modifier 'acutely' paired with complex subject matter.

The patient presented with a highly anxious affect, indicative of underlying trauma.

Showed nervous behavior suggesting past pain.

Clinical/psychological register: 'anxious affect'.

They were anxious to dispel any rumors of insolvency before the market opened.

Desperate to stop gossip about bankruptcy.

'Anxious to' used in a high-stakes corporate context.

An anxious silence descended upon the auditorium before the maestro raised his baton.

A tense quiet filled the room.

Personification/transferred epithet: 'anxious silence'.

The dog's anxious whimpering was the only sound in the desolate house.

The nervous crying was the only noise.

Descriptive pairing with a specific sound ('whimpering').

He harbored an anxious suspicion that he was being followed.

Held a nervous belief that someone was behind him.

Collocation: 'anxious suspicion'.

The novel brilliantly captures the anxious zeitgeist of the post-war era.

Perfectly shows the nervous spirit of the time.

Abstract, sociological usage: 'anxious zeitgeist'.

Her performance was a masterclass in portraying the subtle, anxious tremors of a mind unraveling.

Expertly showed the small, nervous signs of mental breakdown.

Highly descriptive, literary phrasing.

The architecture itself seemed anxious, with its sharp, imposing angles and claustrophobic corridors.

The building looked nervous and stressful.

Personification applied to inanimate objects (architecture).

He navigated the labyrinthine bureaucracy with an anxious deference, terrified of making a misstep.

Moved through the system with nervous respect.

Complex noun phrase: 'anxious deference'.

The treaty was signed in an atmosphere of anxious compromise, satisfying no one entirely.

Agreed upon with tense reluctance.

Abstract collocation: 'anxious compromise'.

She possessed an anxious intellect, constantly interrogating her own premises and conclusions.

Had a nervous, questioning mind.

Describing a cognitive style: 'anxious intellect'.

The market's anxious volatility deterred all but the most risk-tolerant investors.

The nervous unpredictability scared away buyers.

Financial/economic register: 'anxious volatility'.

Beneath his veneer of unshakeable confidence lay an anxious vulnerability he rarely revealed.

Under his brave face was a nervous weakness.

Contrasting abstract concepts: 'anxious vulnerability'.

近义词

apprehensive uneasy solicitous fretful eager perturbed

反义词

calm confident unconcerned

常见搭配

deeply anxious

increasingly anxious

anxious wait

anxious glance

feel anxious

make someone anxious

anxious about

anxious to

常用短语

anxious to please

anxious for news

anxious state of mind

anxious moments

anxious wait

grow anxious

anxious about the future

anxious expression

anxious energy

anxious silence

容易混淆的词

anxious vs eager

anxious vs nervous

anxious vs angst

anxious vs anxiety

习语与表达

容易混淆

anxious vs

句型

如何使用

note

While 'anxious to' is widely accepted to mean 'eager to', some strict traditionalists argue that 'anxious' should only be used for worry. However, in modern English, both usages are completely standard and correct.

常见错误

Using 'anxious of' instead of 'anxious about'.
Using 'anxious' when 'eager' or 'excited' is more appropriate (no negative tension intended).
Using 'anxious' as a noun (e.g., 'I have a lot of anxious').
Mispronouncing the word as 'ang-zi-ous' instead of 'ank-shus'.
Confusing 'anxious for' (desiring something) with 'anxious about' (worried about something).

小贴士

Preposition Power

Always double-check your prepositions. 'About' for worry, 'to' for eagerness. This small word completely changes the meaning of your sentence.

Expand Your Synonyms

Don't just rely on 'anxious'. Try using 'apprehensive', 'uneasy', or 'fretful' to add variety and precision to your vocabulary.

Master the 'X'

Practice saying 'ank' and then 'shus'. Blend them together smoothly: ANK-shus. Don't pronounce it as 'ang-zi-ous'.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of just writing 'He was anxious', describe his actions. 'He bit his nails and constantly checked his watch.' This makes your writing much stronger.

Eager vs. Anxious

If you are purely happy about something, use 'excited' or 'eager'. Save 'anxious' for when there is a little bit of stress or impatience mixed in.

Learn Word Pairs

Memorize common pairings like 'deeply anxious', 'anxious wait', and 'anxious glance'. This will make your English sound much more natural.

Listen for Context

When listening to native speakers, pay attention to the situation. If they are talking about a hospital, 'anxious' means worried. If they are talking about a new video game release, it probably means eager.

Expressing Degree

Use adverbs to show how anxious you are. 'A little anxious', 'quite anxious', 'extremely anxious'. This gives the listener a better understanding of your feelings.

Avoid 'Anxious Of'

Never say 'anxious of'. This is a direct translation error from many other languages. Always use 'anxious about'.

Know the Noun

Remember that the noun form is 'anxiety'. Practice switching between the two: 'I feel anxious because of my anxiety.'

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'ANXIOUS' as 'ANy eXtra Issue Overwhelms Us Suddenly'.

词源

Latin

文化背景

Appropriate for all levels of formality, from casual conversation to highly academic or medical writing.

In both US and UK English, the meanings are identical. However, British English speakers might slightly favor words like 'keen' over 'anxious' when expressing eagerness, reserving 'anxious' more strictly for worry.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"What is something that usually makes you feel anxious?"

"How do you calm yourself down when you are feeling anxious?"

"Have you ever been anxious to do something, rather than anxious about something?"

"Do you think modern society makes people more anxious than in the past?"

"What is the most anxious you have ever felt while waiting for news?"

日记主题

Describe a time when you felt deeply anxious. What were the physical symptoms?

Write about a situation where you were 'anxious to' start something new.

How does your body react when you feel anxious? Describe it in detail.

Do you think a little bit of anxiety can be a good thing? Why or why not?

Write a letter to your anxious self, offering comfort and advice.

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, but with a caveat. When used with the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'anxious to go'), it means eager or excited. However, it usually carries a slight undertone of nervous tension or impatience, unlike the pure joy of 'excited'.

The correct preposition for expressing worry is 'about'. You are 'anxious about' a test, not 'anxious of' a test. Using 'of' is a very common grammatical mistake among learners.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 'nervous' usually describes a temporary physical reaction to a specific, immediate event (like a speech). 'Anxious' can describe a deeper, more persistent state of worry or dread that might not have an immediate cause.

No, 'anxious' is strictly an adjective. If you need a noun, you must use 'anxiety'. For example, 'I suffer from anxiety', not 'I suffer from anxious'.

The 'x' in anxious is pronounced as a /k/ followed by an /ʃ/ (sh) sound. So it sounds like 'ANK-shus'.

Primarily, yes, as it usually denotes worry or fear. However, when used to mean 'eager' (anxious to please), it can have a positive, albeit tense, connotation.

An 'anxious wait' is a period of time spent waiting for something while feeling very nervous or worried about the outcome, such as waiting for medical test results.

Yes, animals can certainly experience and display signs of being anxious, such as a dog pacing or whining during a thunderstorm.

The adverb form is 'anxiously'. It is used to describe how an action is performed, for example, 'He paced anxiously around the room.'

Feeling anxious occasionally is a normal human emotion. However, if the feeling is constant, overwhelming, and interferes with daily life, it may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, which is a clinical condition.