demonstrate nervousness

[/ˈdemənstreɪt ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/]
verb phrase
demonstrar nervosismo
1. to show or display signs of anxiety, unease, or lack of confidence through behavior, speech, or body language
She demonstrated nervousness by constantly fidgeting with her hands during the interview.
Ela demonstrou nervosismo ao ficar constantemente mexendo nas mãos durante a entrevista.
2. to exhibit physical or emotional indicators of being worried or apprehensive
The candidate demonstrated nervousness when answering the difficult question.
O candidato demonstrou nervosismo ao responder a pergunta difícil.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, demonstrating nervousness is often viewed as a sign of vulnerability or lack of preparation, particularly in professional or academic settings. In Brazil, showing too much nervousness in public situations (entrevistas de emprego, apresentações) can be seen as unprofessional. Americans tend to normalize some nervousness but still value the ability to manage visible signs of anxiety in formal contexts.
NYC Slang
show your jitters / let your nerves show / get the shakes
Synonyms / Sinônimos
show nervousnessdisplay anxietyexhibit uneasereveal apprehensionbetray nervousness
Antonyms / Antônimos
show confidencedisplay composureexhibit calmnessdemonstrate poiseshow assurance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
demonstrar nervosismo
most common and widely understood across all regions
Rio de Janeiro
mostrar nervosismo
informal alternative, slightly more colloquial
São Paulo
demonstrar nervosismo / exibir nervosismo
more formal business contexts prefer 'demonstrar'
Portugal
demonstrar nervosismo / dar sinais de nervosismo
Portuguese European variant, similar usage

Related Words

anxietyfidgetjitteryapprehensioncomposureconfidence

Related Idioms & Phrases

show one's true colors
wear one's heart on one's sleeve
have a case of the nerves
give oneself away
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