Jittery

Adjective

Definition: Nervous or unable to relax; marked by trembling or quivering movements.

Synonyms: Nervous, Anxious, Edgy, Fidgety, Jumpy

Antonyms: Calm, Relaxed, Composed, Steady

Examples:

She felt jittery before her big presentation.
The caffeine made him jittery and unable to sit still.

Mnemonics:

Think of a person who is constantly shaking with nerves, like a "jittery" jelly.
Imagine someone being startled and jumping in a jittery manner.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "jittery" is derived from the noun "jitters," which evolved from the Middle English "gitter" meaning "shaking" or "quivering."

Historical Usage:

The term gained popularity in the early 20th century and is commonly associated with feelings of anxiety or restlessness.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Jittery nerves"

Explanation:

Refers to an intense state of nervousness or anxiety.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Jittery always means being nervous due to fear.

Explanation:

While nervousness is a common meaning, jittery can also refer to being unable to relax due to excessive caffeine intake or other factors. It does not always imply fear as the underlying cause.