air of trepidation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of trepidation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety that is palpable in a situation or environment. Example: "As the storm approached, there was an unmistakable air of trepidation among the villagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They will perhaps look at Monday's draw with an air of trepidation having been handed ties with Bayern Munich at the last-16 stage for finishing second in their group in each of the last two seasons.

BBC

High in a treetop he stopped, and, poking his head cautiously from behind a branch, looked down with an air of trepidation.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the sprawling Winston Towers 300, which rises 31floorss into the air, neighbors are starting to eye each other a bit suspiciously -- not out of trepidation, but curiosity.

The New York Times

I responded with a hint of trepidation.

The New York Times

There was a great deal of trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

There were cringings and gestures of trepidation.

The New York Times - Arts

It increases my sense of trepidation.

The Guardian - Arts

Going through the drawings, Nola was full of trepidation.

The New Yorker

The show isn't without a sense of trepidation.

Independent

But this time they are full of trepidation, not margaritas.

The Economist

"I had a certain amount of trepidation," says Gatiss.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of trepidation" when you want to describe a palpable and shared feeling of fear or anxiety in a specific environment or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "air of trepidation" to describe mild or fleeting nervousness. This phrase conveys a significant and pervasive sense of dread, so ensure the context warrants such a strong emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of trepidation" functions as a noun phrase describing a prevailing atmosphere or feeling. It depicts a specific, discernible mood characterized by fear or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "air of trepidation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a distinct, palpable atmosphere of fear or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare in occurrence, it effectively conveys a shared sense of dread, often found in news reporting and descriptive writing. Alternatives like "atmosphere of anxiety" or "sense of foreboding" can be considered for similar but nuanced expressions. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its intensity to avoid overstatement. It's best used when describing a serious and noticeable feeling of apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atmosphere of anxiety

Focuses on the pervasive feeling of anxiety rather than a specific fear.

sense of foreboding

Emphasizes a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

feeling of apprehension

Highlights the anticipation and worry about a potential future event.

climate of fear

Implies a more widespread and oppressive fear.

aura of unease

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort and anxiety.

hint of anxiety

Suggests a subtle or slight expression of anxiety.

undercurrent of worry

Focuses on the underlying and persistent worry.

feeling of disquiet

Implies a lack of peace or tranquility.

general anxiety

Emphasizes anxiety without any other detail.

nervous anticipation

Highlights the nervousness associated with waiting for something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "air of trepidation" in a sentence?

You can use "air of trepidation" to describe a pervading feeling of fear or anxiety in a specific situation. For example, "There was an air of trepidation before the important announcement".

What phrases are similar to "air of trepidation"?

Similar phrases include "atmosphere of anxiety", "sense of foreboding", or "feeling of apprehension". Each carries a slightly different nuance, focusing on various aspects of fear and worry.

Is it appropriate to use "air of trepidation" in formal writing?

Yes, "air of trepidation" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing a serious and significant sense of fear or anxiety. However, be mindful of the intensity of the phrase and ensure it aligns with the context.

What's the difference between "air of trepidation" and "sense of nervousness"?

"Air of trepidation" suggests a more profound and collective feeling of dread or anxiety, while "sense of nervousness" implies a lighter, more individual feeling of unease. The former is more intense and pervasive.