B1adjective3K

Frightening

UK /["/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

making you feel afraid

In simple words: causing fear or worry

Examples

  • 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?

Usage notes

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!

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • scary
  • alarming
  • terrifying
  • disturbing
  • chilling

Antonyms

  • comforting
  • reassuring
  • pleasant

Common mistakes

  • 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.