B2noun 1K

Nerve

🇬🇧 UK /["/nɜːv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/nɜːrv/"]/

Meaning of Nerve

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

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

Nerve in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Nerve

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.

Related words

Collocations with Nerve

• 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 for Nerve

• guts
• cheek

Opposites of Nerve

• cowardice
• fear

Common mistakes with Nerve

• 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'.

Frequently asked questions about Nerve

What does Nerve mean?

A part of the body that carries signals between the brain and other parts.

What is the definition of Nerve?

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

How do you use Nerve in a sentence?

She had the nerve to confront her boss about the unfair treatment.

Can you give another example of Nerve?

The soldier showed a lot of nerve during the battle.

What are synonyms for Nerve?

Common alternatives include guts, cheek.

What is the opposite of Nerve?

Opposite meanings include cowardice, fear.

What words go with Nerve?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Nerve?

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'.

How do you pronounce Nerve?

US: /["/nɜːrv/"]/, UK: /["/nɜːv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Nerve?

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.

What CEFR level is Nerve?

"Nerve" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.