trepidation
Trepidation is a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that's going to happen. It's like having butterflies in your stomach when you think about a big event or situation.
When people talk about trepidation, they usually mean it as an emotion they have before trying something new or facing a challenge. For example, if someone's about to get married and is worried about making mistakes or losing their partner, they might say they're feeling trepidation about the wedding. Or, if you're starting a new job and are nervous about doing things right, you could be experiencing trepidation as well.
It's worth noting that the word "trepidation" can also be used to describe an overall atmosphere of worry or unease. For instance, someone might say, "There was a sense of trepidation in the air when we walked into the haunted house." In this case, the word isn't just describing an individual's feelings but also the general mood of a group or situation.
How common is "trepidation"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
Anxiety over the uncertain future or possible ill-occurrence.
Example: I decided, with considerable trepidation, to let him drive my car without me.
Real examples of "trepidation" in context
