• Dictionary
  • List of exercises
  • Exercises by level

Meaning of worry in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈwəri/

    US accent Play buttonYour browser does not support the audio element.

    How to pronounce worry in American English, in context ▾
    Use the controls below Controls button to browse different examples of pronunciation.

    UK accent Play buttonYour browser does not support the audio element.

    How to pronounce worry in British English, in context ▾
    Use the controls below Controls button to browse different examples of pronunciation.
  1. Verb

    worry

    Etymology

    Old English wyrgan ‘strangle’, of West Germanic origin. In Middle English the original sense of the verb gave rise to the meaning ‘seize by the throat and tear’, later figuratively ‘harass’, whence ‘cause anxiety to’ (early 19th century, the date also of the noun)

    Definitions

    1. be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

    Examples

    • « I worry about my job »
  2. 2. be concerned with

    Examples

    • « I worry about my grades »
  3. 3. disturb the peace of mind of

    Examples

    • « afflict with mental agitation or distress »
    • « I cannot sleep--my daughter's health is worrying me »

    Antonyms

    • reassure
    • assure
  4. 4. be on the mind of

    Examples

    • « I worry about the second Germanic consonant »
  5. 5. lacerate by biting

    Examples

    • « the dog worried his bone »
  6. 6. touch or rub constantly

    Examples

    • « The old man worried his beads »
  7. Noun

    worry

    Definitions

    1. something or someone that causes anxiety

    Examples

    • « a source of unhappiness »
    • « New York traffic is a constant concern »
    • « it's a major worry »
  8. 2. a strong feeling of anxiety

    Examples

    • « his worry over the prospect of being fired »
    • « it is not work but worry that kills »
    • « he wanted to die and end his troubles »

Navigation

    Books Teacher Resources About Contact

Lessons

    Beginner Intermediate Advanced
© 2021, NAGEL PTY LTD 🇦🇺 • Terms • Privacy