Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Trepidation"

Episode Date: August 26, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the word "trepidation," exploring its definition, etymology, example usage, and historical evolution in the English language. Host Peter Sokolowski guides listeners through the shades of meaning and origins of the word, making connections to its present-day usage.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Word Introduction and Definition

• Trepidation is spelled T-R-E-P-I-D-A-T-I-O-N and is identified as a noun.
• Definition: Trepidation refers to a feeling of fear that causes someone to hesitate because they anticipate something bad or unpleasant might happen.
  • [00:11] Peter Sokolowski:

    “Trepidation refers to a feeling of fear that causes someone to hesitate because they think that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.”

2. Example Sentence in Context

• Usage from Forbes:
  • [00:22]

    “Met by some with cautious optimism, others with trepidation, and others with doomsday predictions, there is no doubt that AI is here to stay and changing work in ways yet to be fully revealed.”

3. Etymology and Historical Meaning

• Latin Roots:
  • "Trepidation" comes from the Latin verb trepidare, meaning “to tremble.”
  • Trepidare is also the root of the English verb trepidate, now archaic, which meant “to feel nervous or apprehensive.”
• Early Meanings:

  • Originally meant “tremulous motion” or “tremor,” connecting to physical trembling.

  • Evolved into referring to “fearful hesitancy,” which is the modern sense.

  • [00:43] Peter Sokolowski:

    “If you’ve ever trembled with fright, you know something of both the sensation and etymology of the word trepidation. It comes from the Latin verb trepidare, which means to tremble.”

4. Evolution Into Modern Usage

• The word’s “shaky” origins in both feeling and motion gave way to its contemporary sense—emphasizing psychological fear or hesitation.

• [01:03] Peter Sokolowski:

  “Early meanings of trepidation, such as tremulous motion or tremor, reflect its shaky origins. Over time, however, those senses gave way to our modern meaning, referring to fearful hesitancy.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On modern workplace anxieties:

  “Met by some with cautious optimism, others with trepidation, and others with doomsday predictions, there is no doubt that AI is here to stay and changing work in ways yet to be fully revealed.”
  (00:22 — Forbes, read by Peter Sokolowski)

• Etymology encapsulated:

  “If you’ve ever trembled with fright, you know something of both the sensation and etymology of the word trepidation.”
  (00:43 — Peter Sokolowski)

• On the endurance of ‘trepidation’:

  “Over time, however, those senses gave way to our modern meaning, referring to fearful hesitancy.”
  (01:03 — Peter Sokolowski)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] – Introduction of "trepidation"
• [00:11] – Definition of the word
• [00:22] – Example sentence using "trepidation"
• [00:43] – Etymology from Latin trepidare
• [01:03] – Historical and current meanings

Language and Tone

Peter Sokolowski’s explanations are clear, friendly, and accessible, keeping the tone informative yet approachable, in line with Merriam-Webster’s educational style.

Summary

This episode concisely introduces "trepidation," tracing its fearful origins from trembling in Latin through its evolution to a modern sense of anxious hesitation. Listeners come away with a richer sense of both the word itself and its resonances in today’s language.