B2noun 1K

Nerve

UK /["/nɜːv/"]/ US /["/nɜːrv/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

any of the long fibres that carry messages between the brain and parts of the body, enabling you to move, feel pain, etc.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A part of the body that carries signals between the brain and other parts.

Examples

• She had the nerve to confront her boss about the unfair treatment.
• The soldier showed a lot of nerve during the battle.
• He felt a sudden nerve pain in his leg after the long hike.
• The doctor explained how damage to the nerve could affect movement.
• It takes a lot of nerve to perform in front of a large audience.
• They discovered a rare nerve condition that affects their mobility.
• He lost his nerve and decided not to ask her out.
• The nerve endings react to changes in temperature and pain.
• After the accident, he experienced a tingling sensation in the nerve.
• The nerve supply to the heart is crucial for its function.

Usage notes

Commonly used in medical contexts or to describe courage and confidence. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts unless speaking metaphorically about someone's courage.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'nerve' as 'nerdy' and 'courageous'—a nerd showing bravery.

Collocations

• pinched
• trapped
• sensitive
• damage
• pinch
• strain
• go
• lead
• run
• bundle
• cell
• ending
• along a/​the nerve
• nerve in
• nerve to
• every nerve in somebody’s body
• hit a nerve
• strike a (raw) nerve
• exam
• first-night
• jittery
• calm
• control
• ease
• an attack of nerves
• a bag of nerves
• a bundle of nerves
• have
• lack
• lose
• break
• fail (somebody)
• a failure of nerve
• a loss of nerve
• a test of nerve

Synonyms

• guts
• cheek

Antonyms

• cowardice
• fear

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'nerve' as in bravery versus 'nerves' as in being anxious.
• Using 'nerve' incorrectly in plural form; it is often used in singular.
• Mixing up 'nerve' with similar-sounding words like 'serve'.