anxious definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

anx·ious [ ángkshəss ]

adjective

Definition:

1. feeling nervous: worried or afraid, especially about something that is going to happen or might happen

2. eager: wanting to do something very much, or in a tense or uneasy way

3. producing anxiety: producing feelings of nervousness or agitation

a few anxious moments

[Early 17th century. < Latin anxius< anx-, past participle of angere "torment," literally "strangle"]

anx·ious·ly adverb

anx·ious·ness noun

Word Usage


	anxious or eager? In formal writing avoid using anxious to mean eager, as in I am anxious to attend the concert. Say instead: I am eager to attend the concert.