A1adjective2K

Afraid

UK /["/əˈfreɪd/"]/US /["/əˈfreɪd/"]/

Definition

feeling fear; frightened because you think that you might be hurt or suffer

In simple words: feeling fear or worry about something

Examples

  • She is afraid of the dark.
  • He felt afraid when he heard the loud noise.
  • I'm afraid I can't join you for dinner tonight.
  • The child looked afraid when the dog barked.
  • Are you afraid of speaking in front of others?

Usage notes

Used when you talk about fear of specific things or situations. It's appropriate in most contexts, but can be too emotional for formal situations.

Grammar pattern

afraid + of + noun / afraid + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'a-fraid' as being 'a-fear,' like a fear of something.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • rather
  • very
  • for
  • of
  • nothing to be afraid of
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • rather
  • very
  • for
  • of
  • nothing to be afraid of
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • rather
  • very
  • for
  • of
  • nothing to be afraid of

Synonyms

  • fearful
  • scared
  • worried
  • anxious
  • timid

Antonyms

  • brave
  • confident

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'afraid of' with 'scared of' - they can be similar, but use 'afraid' for more serious fears.
  • Using 'afraid' with a direct object, e.g., saying 'I am afraid the dog' instead of 'I am afraid of the dog.'
  • Mixing up between 'afraid' and 'afraid to' - remember 'afraid to' is followed by a verb.