anxious

Worried or afraid about something that may happen.

• I feel anxious today.
• His parents were anxious about his health.
• Why do you look so anxious?

How to use it: anxious about something (She is anxious about tomorrow's exam.); anxious for someone (We were anxious for the children during the storm.)

Similar words: worried, nervous, uneasy

Opposites: calm, relaxed

Common phrases: feel anxious, anxious about something, anxious parents

Wanting very much to do something or for something to happen.

• She is anxious to help.
• They were anxious to start work.
• He seemed anxious for our approval.

How to use it: anxious to do something (He was anxious to prove his skills.); anxious for something (The team was anxious for another chance.)

Similar words: eager, keen

Opposites: reluctant

Common phrases: anxious to please, anxious to help, anxious for something

Filled with worry, or making people feel worried.

• We faced an anxious wait.
• It was an anxious night for everyone.
• Several anxious hours passed before news arrived.

Similar words: worrying, tense, stressful

Opposites: relaxing

Common phrases: anxious wait, anxious moments, anxious hours