B1adjective 3K

Frightening

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Frightening

making you feel afraid

In simple words: causing fear or worry

Frightening in a sentence

• a frightening experience/prospect/thought
• a truly frightening horror movie
• The noise was frightening.
• It's frightening to think it could happen again.
• It was all very frightening to a small boy.
• This is extremely frightening for elderly people.
• The situation was getting frightening.
• What can we do to make the experience less frightening?

How to use Frightening

Use 'frightening' to describe things that induce fear, especially in neutral contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal writing; 'alarming' may be more suitable there.

Grammar pattern

frightening + object

Memory hint

Frightening sounds like 'frighten' with a 'ning' — think of the noise someone makes when scared!

Related words

Collocations with Frightening

• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• for
• to

Synonyms for Frightening

• scary
• alarming
• terrifying
• disturbing
• chilling

Opposites of Frightening

• comforting
• reassuring
• pleasant

Common mistakes with Frightening

• Confusing 'frightening' with 'frightened' (the feeling vs. the cause).
• Using 'frightening' as an adverb incorrectly.
• Overusing 'frightening' when a less intense word like 'scary' is appropriate.

Frequently asked questions about Frightening

What does Frightening mean?

causing fear or worry

What is the definition of Frightening?

making you feel afraid

How do you use Frightening in a sentence?

a frightening experience/prospect/thought

Can you give another example of Frightening?

a truly frightening horror movie

What are synonyms for Frightening?

Common alternatives include scary, alarming, terrifying, disturbing, chilling.

What is the opposite of Frightening?

Opposite meanings include comforting, reassuring, pleasant.

What words go with Frightening?

It commonly pairs with be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, for, to.

What are common mistakes when using Frightening?

Confusing 'frightening' with 'frightened' (the feeling vs. the cause). Using 'frightening' as an adverb incorrectly. Overusing 'frightening' when a less intense word like 'scary' is appropriate.

How do you pronounce Frightening?

US: /["/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Frightening?

Use 'frightening' to describe things that induce fear, especially in neutral contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal writing; 'alarming' may be more suitable there.

What CEFR level is Frightening?

"Frightening" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.