nervy

nervy

adjective \ˈnər-vē\

nerv·i·ernerv·i·est

Definition of NERVY

1

archaic : sinewy, strong

2

a : showing or expressive of calm courage : bold

b : marked by effrontery or presumption : brash

3

: excitable, nervous

— nerv·i·ly \-və-lē\ adverb

— nerv·i·ness \-vē-nəs\ noun

Examples of NERVY

1. a nervy performance in the play-offs
2. a nervy film director who's not afraid to take risks
3. The passengers were restless and nervy after the long flight.
4. Too much coffee makes me nervy.

First Known Use of NERVY

1607

Related to NERVY

Synonyms

arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced, cheeky, cocksure, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, sassy, saucy, wise

Antonyms

meek, mousy (or mousey), retiring, shy, timid

Related Words

assertive, forward, obtrusive; audacious, defiant, disrespectful; shameless, unabashed, unblushing; bluff, blunt, curt; cute, facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky; lippy, mouthy

Near Antonyms

demure, humble, modest; courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, proper; deferential, respectful; abashed, ashamed, blushing, embarrassed, shamefaced; gentle, mild; inconspicuous, unobtrusive