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appréhension

apprehension

noun ah-preh-ahn-SYOHN Rare

Also means

dread

Usage Note

Appréhension conveys a vague, anticipatory fear rather than outright terror — closer to 'dread' or 'unease'. The related verb appréhender means both 'to dread' and 'to apprehend (someone)', a useful false-friend note. Common in psychological and everyday discourse.

Examples

"Elle ressentait une grande appréhension avant l'examen."

Natural Translation

She felt great apprehension before the exam.

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