Cool MateFrightened vs Scared
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Frightened | Scared | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | feeling scared or afraid | feeling afraid or frightened |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'frightened' to describe a feeling of fear. It can be used in most contexts. Avoid using in overly casual situations where simpler words like 'scared' might fit better. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. More common in everyday conversation. Avoid using in very serious discussions where more formal terms like 'concerned' might be appropriate. |
Frequently asked questions: Frightened vs Scared
What's the difference between "Frightened" and "Scared"?
"Frightened" means: feeling scared or afraid "Scared" means: feeling afraid or frightened
When should I use "Frightened" and "Scared"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Frightened" and "Scared" the same CEFR level?
"Frightened" is at B1, "Scared" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.