anxiety
noun (countable)
UK/æŋˈzaɪəti/US/æŋˈzaɪəti/
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
同義詞典
同義詞
反義詞
使用方式
A state of heightened worry, nervousness, or unease about uncertain outcomes or potential threats, often accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms.Anxiety is a common emotional response characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. It arises when individuals perceive a threat or anticipate future difficulties, leading to a state of heightened alertness and concern. For example, "She felt a surge of anxiety before her job interview," illustrates how anxiety can manifest in anticipation of significant events.There are different types of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic attacks, and specific phobias. Each type varies in its triggers and intensity. Generalized anxiety involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, while social anxiety centers on fear of social interactions and judgment. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear, and specific phobias are extreme fears of particular objects or situations.Physiologically, anxiety can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Emotionally, it may cause feelings of dread, restlessness, irritability, and a sense of impending doom. Chronic anxiety can impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.Managing anxiety typically involves a combination of strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and, in some cases, medication prescribed by healthcare professionals. Building coping mechanisms, such as effective time management, seeking social support, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can also help mitigate anxiety symptoms.Understanding anxiety is crucial for recognizing its signs and seeking appropriate help. It plays a significant role in mental health, influencing how individuals perceive and respond to stressors in their environment.
替代選項
When looking to express the concept of "anxiety," consider the following alternatives based on context:1. **Worry**: Emphasizes persistent concern about potential problems. - Example: "He couldn’t stop his worry about the upcoming exams."2. **Nervousness**: Conveys a milder form of anxiety, often related to immediate situations. - Example: "She felt nervous before giving her presentation."3. **Apprehension**: Highlights a sense of unease or fear about future events. - Example: "There was a sense of apprehension in the room before the announcement."4. **Tension**: Focuses on the physical and emotional strain associated with anxiety. - Example: "The tension in his shoulders was a sign of his anxiety."5. **Distress**: Refers to extreme anxiety or emotional pain. - Example: "The news caused her significant distress."6. **Unease**: Indicates a general feeling of discomfort or worry. - Example: "He felt a sense of unease about the changes at work."7. **Agitation**: Describes a state of restlessness or nervous excitement. - Example: "The child’s agitation made it difficult to focus on the task."8. **Panic**: Represents an intense and overwhelming form of anxiety. - Example: "She experienced a panic attack during the stressful event."
寫作
In formal or academic writing, "anxiety" is often explored within the contexts of psychology, mental health, and social sciences. For example:- **Psychological Research**: "Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues, affecting millions worldwide and significantly impacting individuals' daily functioning." This sentence highlights the prevalence and significance of anxiety in mental health studies.- **Sociological Analysis**: "The rise in workplace demands has contributed to increased levels of anxiety among employees, necessitating the implementation of effective stress management programs." Here, "anxiety" is discussed in relation to societal and occupational factors.- **Clinical Context**: "Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety by addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors." This usage focuses on therapeutic approaches to managing anxiety.When writing about anxiety, it is important to provide clear definitions and differentiate between various types of anxiety disorders. Incorporating empirical data, case studies, or theoretical frameworks can enhance the depth and credibility of the discussion. Additionally, exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for anxiety can provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.Furthermore, discussing the impact of anxiety on different populations, such as children, adolescents, or adults, can add nuance to the analysis. For instance: "Anxiety in adolescents is often linked to academic pressures and social dynamics, requiring targeted interventions to support their mental well-being." This approach underscores the multifaceted nature of anxiety and its varying manifestations across different life stages.In summary, using "anxiety" in formal writing involves a structured and detailed exploration of its psychological, social, and clinical aspects, supported by evidence and examples to convey a thorough understanding of the emotion and its implications.
日常對話
In everyday conversations, "anxiety" is often used to describe feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. For example:- **Personal Feelings**: "I have a lot of anxiety about my upcoming exams." This means you’re feeling stressed and worried about your tests.- **Everyday Situations**: "Waiting for the results made her anxious." Here, "anxiety" refers to the nervous feeling while waiting for something important.- **Interpersonal Interactions**: "He gets anxious when he has to speak in public." This usage highlights a specific situation that triggers anxiety.People also use "anxiety" in more casual or relatable contexts:- **Health Conversations**: "I need to take some time to relax and reduce my anxiety." - **Workplace Stress**: "Meeting deadlines can really cause anxiety for some people." - **Social Settings**: "She felt anxiety about attending the large party alone." Additionally, when talking about coping mechanisms, you might say:- **Coping Strategies**: "Listening to music helps me manage my anxiety." - **Seeking Help**: "If your anxiety is overwhelming, it might be helpful to talk to a professional." Using "anxiety" casually allows you to express and discuss your feelings openly, making it easier to seek support and understanding from others. It also helps in sharing experiences related to stress and nervousness in various aspects of life, from personal challenges to everyday stressors.
詞源
The word "anxiety" originates from the Latin word "anxietas," which means "uneasiness" or "distress." This term is derived from "anxius," meaning "troubled," which in turn comes from "angere," meaning "to choke" or "to strangle." The metaphorical use of choking or constriction conveys the intense and often overwhelming nature of the emotion.In Middle English, "anxiety" was adopted from Old French "anxiete," retaining its association with feelings of worry and distress. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of emotional states, including nervousness, fear, and apprehension about future events or uncertain outcomes.Historically, anxiety has been a significant subject in philosophy, literature, and psychology, reflecting the universal human experience of facing uncertainty and potential threats. In the 20th century, the understanding of anxiety deepened with the development of psychological theories and the classification of anxiety disorders in psychiatric manuals.The etymological roots of "anxiety" highlight its intrinsic connection to physical sensations of discomfort and emotional turmoil, underscoring the profound impact it can have on an individual's well-being and daily functioning.