apprehensively
UK[ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv.li]US[ˌæp.rɪˈhen.sɪv.li]
adv
in a manner that shows anxiety or fear about something that might happen.
Morpheme Breakdown
ap
prehens
ively
ap
to, towards
prehens
to grasp, seize
ively
Etymology
the word apprehensively originates from the latin verb prehendere, meaning 'to seize or grasp'. the prefix ad- (assimilated to ap- before 'p') signified direction, giving apprehendere the literal sense 'to lay hold of'. this physical meaning evolved metaphorically in late latin to include 'to perceive with the mind' and later 'to anticipate with anxiety'. the english adverb form, via the adjective apprehensive, thus retains this core idea of mentally 'grasping' or anticipating a future event, specifically with a sense of unease or dread.
Analysis
Structure: ap + prehens + ively
ap- (latin, variant of ad- meaning 'to, towards'), prehens (latin, from prehendere meaning 'to grasp, seize'), -ively (english, adverbial suffix combining -ive and -ly).
Examples
she looked at the dark clouds apprehensively, hoping the storm would pass.
he waited apprehensively for the exam results to be posted.
the dog approached the unfamiliar object apprehensively, sniffing cautiously.