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nervy

adjective \ˈnər-vē\

: having or showing courage or confidence

—used to describe someone who says or does rude or shocking things that make other people angry or upset

: feeling unpleasantly nervous or excited : not calm

nerv·i·ernerv·i·est

Full Definition of NERVY

1
archaic :  sinewy, strong
2
a :  showing or expressive of calm courage :  bold
b :  marked by effrontery or presumption :  brash
3
:  excitable, nervous
— nerv·i·ly \-və-lē\ adverb
— nerv·i·ness \-vē-nəs\ noun
See nervy defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of NERVY

1607

Related to NERVY

Synonyms
arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced, cheeky, cocksure, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, sassy, saucy, wise
Antonyms
meek, mousy (or mousey), retiring, shy, timid
NERVIEST Defined for Kids

nervy

adjective \ˈnər-vē\
nerv·i·ernerv·i·est

Definition of NERVY for Kids

1
:  showing calm courage <The team won after a nervy performance.>
2
:  showing or acting with disrespectful boldness

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