Often, in the English language, matters are complicated by words that look or sound similar, but which mean completely different things. In some cases, these words are spelled in exactly the same way.
For example, the verb ‘apprehend’ and the noun ‘apprehension’ each have two meanings. It’s therefore vital to learn their definitions so that you can use them confidently in your writing.
Definition 1: Apprehension and Apprehend (‘Understanding’)
‘Apprehension’ can be used as the noun form of the verb ‘apprehend’, meaning ‘to reach understanding’. It would be used in a sentence like this:
James has a good apprehension of mathematics.
Definition 2: Apprehend (‘Capture’)
The verb ‘apprehend’ can also be used to mean ‘detain or arrest a suspect of crime’, although only in the very specific context of criminal or illegal activity.
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Definition 3: Apprehension (‘Fear’)
‘Apprehension’ can mean ‘trepidation’, the anxiety or fear that something negative will happen. It would thus be used in a sentence like this:
She waited in the doctor’s surgery with a feeling of apprehension.
Usually, the context of the sentence clarifies which meaning of ‘apprehend’ or ‘apprehension’ applies in any given situation. Nevertheless, knowing the definitions of these words will help you pick the correct term.
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