WordGarden.ionerve
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɜːv/
US
- /ˈnɜrv/
Meanings
Noun
a fiber or bundle in the body that carries signals
courage, boldness, or shameless audacity
a state of nervous anxiety, tension, or emotional sensitivity
Beyond the definition
A "nerve" can mean a part of the body that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body, rather like wiring that sends signals. But the word also often points to courage. If you have the nerve to do something, you are brave enough to do it, though sometimes the idea also suggests cheek or a lack of respect. Think of a tightrope walker needing steady nerves to stay balanced, or a detective having the nerve to face a dangerous suspect. You can talk about a damaged nerve in the body, someone showing nerve in a hard moment, or a person getting on someone's nerves by being annoying.
The word "nerve" is impressively versatile, bridging the gap between our physical bodies and our psychological strength. Biologically, a nerve is a bundle of fibers that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord, and carries instructions from these back to the muscles and organs. If you've ever felt a "pinched nerve," you know how vital—and sensitive—this system is! Doctors often check your reflexes to ensure these pathways are functioning correctly.
Beyond anatomy, "nerve" carries a fascinating psychological meaning. It represents the courage or fortitude required to face danger or difficulty without flinching. We speak of soldiers having "nerve under fire" or a surgeon needing "nerves of steel" during a complex operation. In a slightly different light, it can also refer to "cheek" or audacity—like when someone has the "nerve" to be rude or demanding. If someone insults you to your face, you might exclaim, "The nerve of that person!"
Interestingly, we also use the word to describe a state of agitation. If you have a "case of the nerves," you're feeling anxious or worried before a big event. This connects to the common idiom "getting on someone's nerves," which means being a repeated source of irritation. Whether it's the delicate network that helps us feel and move, or the inner grit that helps us face a hard moment, "nerve" is a word that speaks to both the body and the mind. You might need steady nerves to perform on stage, have the nerve to ask for a promotion, and unfortunately still get on your boss's nerves.
Examples
- 1
Body
The injury damaged a nerve in his hand.
- 2
Exam anxiety
I always get nerves before a big exam.
- 3
Calming down
Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.
- 4
Fear
He wanted to complain, but he lost his nerve at the last minute.
- Phraselose your nerve
suddenly feel too afraid to do something
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace courage
She finally got up the nerve to ask for a raise.
- Patternget up the nerve to do something
become brave enough to do it
- 6
Shameless behavior
I can't believe he had the nerve to blame you.
- Patternhave the nerve to do something
do something rude or shocking without shame
- 7
Sensitive topic
That question hit a nerve because it reminded him of his mistake.
- Phrasehit a nerve
upset someone by touching a sensitive subject
- 8
Annoyance
Please stop tapping your pen; it's getting on my nerves.
- Phraseget on someone's nerves
annoy someone
- 9
Pressure
You need nerves of steel to perform in front of a crowd that large.
- Phrasenerves of steel
the ability to stay calm in a stressful situation
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nervenounverb
Forms
- nervespluralnounverb
- nervedpast tenseverbnoun
- nerving-ing formverbnoun