apprehensive
UK[ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv]US[ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv]
adj
anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
adj
relating to perception or understanding.
Morpheme Breakdown
ap
prehens
ive
ap
to, towards
prehens
to seize, grasp
ive
having the nature or quality of
Etymology
the word apprehensive originates from the latin verb 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize or grasp'. this verb is a compound of 'ad-' (to) and 'prehendere' (to seize). the literal sense of physically seizing something evolved metaphorically in late latin to include the mental act of grasping an idea or perceiving a threat. by the early 17th century, the english derivative 'apprehensive' had specialized to primarily describe the mental state of seizing upon or being anxious about a potential danger, linking the ancient concept of physical capture to the modern abstract feeling of fear and anticipation.
Analysis
Structure: ap + prehens + ive
ap (latin, variant of 'ad-', meaning 'to, towards')
prehens (latin, from 'prehendere', meaning 'to seize, grasp')
ive (latin, suffix forming adjectives meaning 'having the nature or quality of')
Examples
she felt apprehensive about the upcoming job interview.
he gave an apprehensive glance towards the darkening sky.
the team was apprehensive of the manager's reaction to the failed project.