Have you ever been apprehensive about using the word “apprehend”? Or are you confident in your knowledge of these two words? Let’s clear up any confusion and get a better understanding of the differences between “apprehend” and “apprehensive”.
It’s important to note that both “apprehend” and “apprehensive” are proper words in the English language. However, they have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable.
“Apprehend” is a verb that means to arrest or capture someone, or to understand or perceive something. For example, a police officer might apprehend a suspect, or a student might apprehend a difficult concept in class.
On the other hand, “apprehensive” is an adjective that describes a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that may happen in the future. For instance, a person might feel apprehensive about a job interview or a first date.
Now that we have a better understanding of the definitions, let’s dive deeper into the nuances of these two words and how they can be used in different contexts.
Define Apprehend
Apprehend is a verb that means to arrest or take someone into custody for a crime or offense. It is the act of apprehending or capturing a suspect or criminal. This term is commonly used in law enforcement and legal contexts.
Apprehend can also mean to understand or grasp the meaning or significance of something. It involves perceiving or comprehending something that is complex or difficult to understand. For example, you might apprehend a difficult concept after studying it for a long time.
Define Apprehensive
Apprehensive is an adjective that describes a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that is going to happen. It is the state of being apprehensive or worried about a future event or outcome. This term is commonly used in everyday language and can refer to a variety of situations.
Apprehensive can also mean having an understanding or perception of something. It can refer to the ability to perceive or comprehend something that is complex or difficult to understand. For example, you might be apprehensive about a new technology because you don’t understand how it works.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using words correctly is important to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. The words apprehend and apprehensive are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here’s how to use them correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Apprehend” In A Sentence
The word apprehend means to arrest or seize someone for a crime or offense. It can also mean to understand or perceive something. Here are some examples of using apprehend in a sentence:
- The police were able to apprehend the suspect after a long chase.
- I cannot apprehend why she would do such a thing.
- It took me a while to apprehend the concept, but now I understand it.
As you can see, apprehend is used to refer to a physical act of capturing or understanding something.
How To Use “Apprehensive” In A Sentence
The word apprehensive means anxious or fearful about something that might happen. It can also mean having an understanding or perception of something. Here are some examples of using apprehensive in a sentence:
- I’m apprehensive about taking the exam tomorrow.
- She was apprehensive about moving to a new city.
- He was apprehensive of the consequences of his actions.
As you can see, apprehensive is used to refer to a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen. It can also refer to having an understanding or perception of something.
Remember to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and convey the intended meaning in your writing.
More Examples Of Apprehend & Apprehensive Used In Sentences
Understanding how to use words correctly is essential for effective communication. In this section, we will explore more examples of using apprehend and apprehensive in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Apprehend In A Sentence
- The police were able to apprehend the suspect after a high-speed chase.
- It’s difficult to apprehend the concept of infinity.
- The teacher tried to help the students apprehend the complex math problem.
- The security guard was able to apprehend the shoplifter before they could leave the store.
- The detective was determined to apprehend the killer and bring them to justice.
- It’s important to apprehend the meaning behind the words, not just the words themselves.
- The athlete was able to apprehend the difficult technique after many hours of practice.
- The soldiers were ordered to apprehend the enemy and take them prisoner.
- The scientist was able to apprehend the complex theory and explain it in simple terms.
- The artist was able to apprehend the beauty of nature in their painting.
Examples Of Using Apprehensive In A Sentence
- The student was apprehensive about taking the difficult exam.
- The hiker was apprehensive about crossing the rickety bridge over the canyon.
- The actress was apprehensive about performing in front of a live audience.
- The patient was apprehensive about undergoing surgery.
- The driver was apprehensive about driving in the heavy rain.
- The parents were apprehensive about their child’s safety on the school trip.
- The employee was apprehensive about the upcoming performance review.
- The traveler was apprehensive about visiting a foreign country for the first time.
- The homeowner was apprehensive about the possibility of a break-in.
- The job seeker was apprehensive about the interview process.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to get confused between two similar-sounding words. One such pair of words that are often used interchangeably are apprehend and apprehensive. However, these words have distinct meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably:
Mistake #1: Using “Apprehensive” When You Mean “Apprehend”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “apprehensive” when they really mean “apprehend.” While “apprehensive” means feeling anxious or fearful about something that might happen, “apprehend” means to arrest or take someone into custody.
For example, saying “The police were apprehensive the suspect” is incorrect, as it implies that the police were feeling anxious or fearful about the suspect. The correct sentence would be “The police apprehended the suspect.”
Mistake #2: Using “Apprehend” When You Mean “Apprehensive”
Another common mistake is using “apprehend” when you really mean “apprehensive.” While “apprehend” means to arrest or take someone into custody, “apprehensive” means feeling anxious or fearful about something that might happen.
For example, saying “I am apprehend about the upcoming exam” is incorrect, as it implies that you are going to arrest or take the exam into custody. The correct sentence would be “I am apprehensive about the upcoming exam.”
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Double-check the definition of the word you want to use before using it.
- Think about the context in which the word is being used, and whether the meaning makes sense in that context.
- If you’re still unsure, ask someone else to read over your writing and provide feedback.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re using the right word in the right context, and avoid any misunderstandings that could arise from using these words interchangeably.
Context Matters
Choosing the right word can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. This is particularly true when it comes to words that sound similar, such as apprehend and apprehensive. While they share the same root word, apprehend means “to arrest or capture,” while apprehensive means “anxious or fearful about the future.”
How The Choice Between Apprehend And Apprehensive Can Depend On The Context In Which They Are Used
The context in which these words are used can significantly impact their meaning. For instance, if a police officer says they apprehended a suspect, it means they have successfully captured them. However, if someone says they are apprehensive about an upcoming event, it means they are anxious or worried about it.
It’s essential to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between Apprehend And Apprehensive Might Change
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between apprehend and apprehensive might change:
- Legal context: In a legal context, apprehend is often used to refer to the arrest of a suspect. For example, “The police apprehended the suspect after a brief chase.” In this context, apprehensive would not be appropriate.
- Emotional context: In an emotional context, apprehensive is often used to describe feelings of anxiety or worry. For example, “I’m feeling apprehensive about my upcoming job interview.” In this context, apprehend would not be appropriate.
- Physical context: In a physical context, apprehend can be used to describe the act of physically grabbing or holding onto something. For example, “He apprehended the ball before it went out of bounds.” In this context, apprehensive would not be appropriate.
As you can see, the choice between apprehend and apprehensive can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s essential to consider the intended meaning and context to ensure that the right word is chosen.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using apprehend and apprehensive are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, the word “apprehend” is often used to mean “arrest” or “take into custody.” In this context, “apprehensive” would not be an appropriate substitute. For example, a police officer might say, “I apprehended the suspect,” but it would not make sense to say, “I was apprehensive of the suspect.”
2. Medical Terminology
In medical terminology, “apprehensive” is sometimes used to describe a patient’s state of mind when they are anxious or fearful about a medical procedure. In this context, “apprehend” would not be an appropriate substitute. For example, a doctor might say, “The patient was apprehensive about the surgery,” but it would not make sense to say, “The patient was apprehended about the surgery.”
3. Colloquial Usage
There are some instances in colloquial usage where “apprehend” and “apprehensive” might be used interchangeably, even though it is technically incorrect. For example, someone might say, “I’m apprehensive about going to the dentist,” when they really mean, “I’m afraid of going to the dentist.” While this usage is not technically correct, it is common enough that it may be accepted in informal settings.
4. Regional Differences
It is worth noting that there may be regional differences in the usage of “apprehend” and “apprehensive.” For example, in some parts of the world, “apprehend” may be used more commonly than “arrest,” while in other parts of the world, “apprehensive” may be used more commonly than “anxious.” It is important to be aware of these differences when communicating with people from different regions.
Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using apprehend and apprehensive, they are generally straightforward and easy to understand. By keeping these exceptions in mind, you can use these words more effectively and avoid common mistakes.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of apprehend and apprehensive is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you master these words:
Exercise 1
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
| Sentence | Word Choices |
|---|---|
| The police officer was able to __________ the suspect. | apprehend, apprehensive |
| She felt __________ about going to the dentist. | apprehend, apprehensive |
| The detectives were __________ about the suspect’s alibi. | apprehend, apprehensive |
| He was __________ of the consequences of his actions. | apprehend, apprehensive |
Answer key:
- apprehend
- apprehensive
- apprehensive
- apprehensive
Exercise 2
Write a sentence using each of the following words:
- apprehend
- apprehensive
- apprehension
Answer key:
- The police officer was able to apprehend the suspect.
- She felt apprehensive about going to the dentist.
- He had a sense of apprehension about the upcoming job interview.
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to use apprehend and apprehensive correctly and confidently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between apprehend and apprehensive is crucial for effective communication. Apprehend is a verb that means to understand or perceive something clearly, while apprehensive is an adjective that describes a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that may happen in the future.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication. By using apprehend when you mean apprehensive, you may give the wrong impression to your audience and cause unnecessary misunderstandings.
Additionally, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve your communication skills. This includes not only understanding the meanings of words, but also understanding how to use them effectively in different contexts.
By improving your language skills, you can become a more effective communicator and enhance your professional and personal relationships.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.