trepidatious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trepidatious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen. Example: "As she approached the stage to give her speech, she felt trepidatious about speaking in front of such a large audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

David Davis, a leading anti-EU campaigner, announced that up to 60 MPs were ready to demand that the House of Commons be able to veto all new legislation coming from Brussels.The reaction from the continent was as trepidatious as that from the Tory Party was boisterous.

The Economist

Brash or trepidatious, the succeeding generations of writers are simply taking turns, saying in one what could not be said in the other.

The New York Times

Murphy said it was hard, flying down on Air Force One with the trepidatious Sandy Hook families, to explain that they would be lobbying to get a vote on a vote.

The New York Times

"We were both a little trepidatious," Ms. Fleischman said.

The New York Times

Not being a silent movie buff, I was trepidatious about "The Artist".

The New York Times

It was pretty apparent in the script that she wasn't comfortable in that role at first, that she liked the idea of it but was very trepidatious about what it encompassed.

The New York Times

I was a bit trepidatious, as you can imagine.

The New York Times

The article is by no means an  exhaustive investigative report, and in fact does not have a single named source, but still provides an interesting thumbnail sketch of a demoralized, trepidatious civil service.

The New York Times

Grove is trepidatious when it comes to the club, wary, I suppose, of failing to consider it sufficiently elitist and middle class.

The Guardian - Books

Aware as I constantly am of Elton John's delicate sensitivity, it is with a trepidatious whisper that I suggest sorry doesn't seem to be the hardest word.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the time I made that GP appointment, I was trepidatious but I'd figured it out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trepidatious" when you want to convey a formal or slightly elevated sense of fear or apprehension. It's particularly effective in written contexts where you aim for precision and nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "trepidatious" in very informal or casual conversation. While grammatically correct, its relatively formal tone may sound out of place in everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The word "trepidatious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of fear, anxiety, or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It is often used to describe someone's feelings before a challenging or uncertain event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trepidatious" is an adjective used to describe a state of fear or apprehension, particularly in anticipation of an event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not overly formal, it is best suited for neutral and professional contexts like journalism, as reflected in its frequent appearance in news media. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "anxious" or "nervous" may be more appropriate. To enhance your writing, remember that using "trepidatious" brings a nuanced sense of foreboding, effectively conveying anticipation and unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apprehensive

Similar in meaning but more commonly used, suggesting a general feeling of unease.

anxious

Focuses more on the worry and nervousness associated with a situation.

fearful

Directly expresses the presence of fear.

hesitant

Highlights the reluctance to act due to fear or uncertainty.

uneasy

Indicates a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

worried

Implies concern about potential negative outcomes.

in a state of alarm

Emphasizes a sudden and intense feeling of fear.

jittery

Suggests nervousness manifested physically, such as shaking.

concerned

Highlights worry and interest.

intimidated

Suggests fear because of feeling overpowered.

FAQs

How can I use "trepidatious" in a sentence?

The word "trepidatious" describes a state of fear or apprehension. For instance, "The students were "trepidatious" about the upcoming exam" or "She felt "trepidatious" before her first public speaking engagement".

What words can I use instead of "trepidatious"?

If you're looking for alternatives to "trepidatious", consider using words like "apprehensive", "anxious", or "fearful". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "trepidatious" in both formal and informal settings?

While "trepidatious" is grammatically correct, it is more suited to formal writing or speech. In informal contexts, alternatives like "nervous" or "worried" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "trepidatious" and "anxious"?

Both "trepidatious" and "anxious" describe feelings of unease, but "trepidatious" often implies a more profound sense of fear or foreboding, while "anxious" tends to focus more on worry and nervousness.