Skip to main content

jittersfeelings of extreme nervousness, especially before an important event

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: feelings of extreme nervousness, especially before an important event

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdʒɪtərz/

Example Sentences

  • I always get the jitters when I have to give a presentation to my boss.
  • His coffee jitters were so bad that he couldn't hold his cup steady.
  • The bride had a severe case of jitters and almost ran away from the altar.

jitters

NOUN

[/ˈdʒɪtərz/]

feelings of extreme nervousness, especially before an important event

Before her piano recital, she gets terrible jitters backstage.
💡 Concept

Before her piano recital, she gets terrible jitters backstage.

Jitters make it hard to cook fritters, even the critters look worried!
🎵 Rhyme

Jitters make it hard to cook fritters, even the critters look worried!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈdʒɪtərz/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈdʒɪtəz/

🌳Etymology

Rootjitter
Suffix--s

Origin

The word emerged in American English during the 1920s, derived from 'jitter', meaning to shake or fidget. It originated from the energetic atmosphere and rapid dance movements of the Jazz Age, capturing the nervous excitement and physical trembling associated with the era's vibrant culture.

Breakdown

jitter (to shake, tremble, or fidget) + -s (plural noun suffix), forming the plural noun denoting multiple instances of nervous trembling or states of anxious agitation.

🎵Rhyme

crittersfrittersitters
critters
fritters
itters

🔗Collocations

get the jitters
pre-exam jitters
wedding jitters
case of jitters
overcome jitters
nervous jitters

📝Examples

I always get the jitters when I have to give a presentation to my boss.

😄 Fun example

His coffee jitters were so bad that he couldn't hold his cup steady.

😄 Fun example

The bride had a severe case of jitters and almost ran away from the altar.

To calm my jitters, I took three deep breaths before entering the exam room.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

nervesanxietynervousnessapprehensionbutterflies

Antonyms

calmnesscomposureconfidence

Related

jitterynervousanxioustensestressed

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.