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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Nerve Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：nerve fiber (nerve)

nerve 🔊

/nɜːrv/

A thin fiber in your body that sends messages between your brain and other parts.

nerve fiber 🔊

➕

/nɜːrv ˈfaɪbər/

A nerve is a bundle of fibers that transmits electrical impulses between the brain and the rest of the body, enabling sensation and movement.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'nervus' meaning sinew or tendon, cognate with Greek 'neuron'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a 'nerve' as a live wire sending signals; having 'nerve' means you are wired for bravery.

📖 Example

If you sit too long, you might feel a pain in your back because of a pinched nerve. 🔊 Sitting for extended periods can cause a pinched nerve in your back, leading to pain.

🔗 Collocations

pinched nerve – a nerve compressed by surrounding tissue, causing pain

nerve damage – injury to a nerve affecting its function

nerve cell – neuron, the basic unit of the nervous system

🔄 Synonyms

neuron (n.) – nerve cell, the fundamental unit of the nervous system

axon (n.) – the elongated fiber of a nerve cell that transmits impulses

🌱 Derivatives

nervous (adj.) – of or relating to the nerves; easily agitated

neural (adj.) – of or relating to a nerve or the nervous system

nerve-racking (adj.) – causing stress or anxiety

📖 Cultural Story

In ancient medicine, 'nerve' originally referred to tendons or sinews. Only later did science identify its role in the nervous system. Today, 'nerve' also metaphorically means courage, as in 'nerve-racking'.

Meaning 2：courage (nerve)

nerve 🔊

/nɜːrv/

The feeling of being brave enough to do something difficult or scary.

courage 🔊

➕

/ˈkɜːrɪdʒ/

The quality of being brave and confident, especially in challenging situations.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

It took a lot of nerve for her to give a different opinion during the meeting, but her idea was brilliant. 🔊 She showed great courage by expressing a dissenting opinion in the meeting, and her idea turned out to be excellent.

🔗 Collocations

have the nerve – to be brave or bold enough to do something

nerve of steel – great courage and calmness under pressure

lose your nerve – to become afraid and lose confidence

🔄 Synonyms

courage (n.) – the ability to do something that frightens one

bravery (n.) – courageous behavior or character

audacity (n.) – boldness or daring, often with a negative connotation

🚫 Antonyms

cowardice (n.) – lack of bravery

timidity (n.) – lack of confidence or courage

fear (n.) – an unpleasant emotion caused by danger

🌱 Derivatives

unnerve (v.) – to cause someone to lose courage or confidence

nerve-racking (adj.) – causing stress or anxiety

nervy (adj.) – bold or audacious