Is anxious the same as worried?

Not exactly. Anxious usually feels stronger and more nervous than worried.

Can anxious mean eager?

Yes, but this is more formal. For example, “We are anxious to begin” means “keen to begin.”

Is anxious common in academic English?

Yes. It is common in academic and formal writing, especially about feelings and stress.

← Dictionary

anxious

/ˈæŋk.ʃəs/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Worried or nervous about something that may happen. It can also mean eager or keen to do something, especially in formal English.

She felt anxious before the exam.
I'm anxious about the interview.
We are anxious to hear your news.

Adinary Nuance

Anxious is stronger and more tense than worried. Use worried for general concern, and anxious when the feeling is more nervous or uneasy. It can also mean “eager” in formal writing, but that use is less common in speech.

In other languages

Vietnamese: lo lắng
Spanish: ansioso
Chinese: 焦虑的
Japanese: 不安な
Korean: 불안한

Etymology

Anxious comes from Latin anxius, meaning “troubled” or “uneasy.” It entered English through French in the 16th century.

Common phrases

anxious aboutanxious tofeel anxiousmake someone anxious

Synonyms

worried nervous uneasy eager

Related words

stress fear panic concern

Frequently asked questions

Is anxious the same as worried?: Not exactly. Anxious usually feels stronger and more nervous than worried.
Can anxious mean eager?: Yes, but this is more formal. For example, “We are anxious to begin” means “keen to begin.”
Is anxious common in academic English?: Yes. It is common in academic and formal writing, especially about feelings and stress.