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afraid in Hindi हिन्दी

afraid in Kashmiri कॉशुर

afraid in Maithili মৈথিলী

afraid in Nepali नेपाली

afraid in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्

afraid in Sindhi سنڌي

afraid in Tamil தமிழ்

afraid in Urdu اُردُو

afraid in English

  • afraid
    afraid, adjective.
    1. feeling fear; frightened; alarmed.
    Ex. She is afraid of the dark.
    2. unwilling because of fear.
    Ex. Shy people are often afraid to speak up.
    3. sorry to have to say.
    Ex. I'm afraid I must ask you

Afraid - Comprehensive Dictionary Page

Afraid

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/əˈfreɪd/ (uh-fraid)

Definitions

  1. Feeling fear or anxiety about something or someone.
  2. Worried that something bad will happen.
  3. Reluctant or hesitant to do something due to fear or apprehension.

Usage Examples

  • She was afraid to walk alone at night.
  • He was afraid of losing his job.
  • The children were afraid of the dark.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "afraid," originating from Old English "afred," which means "to be afraid." The word is formed from "a-" (a prefix denoting state or condition) and "fræstan," meaning "to frighten" or "to alarm." The root is connected to the Proto-Germanic word "fretan" meaning "to consume or destroy," implying a state of being consumed by fear.

Synonyms

  • Fearful
  • Scared
  • Terrified
  • Apprehensive
  • Frightened

Antonyms

  • Brave
  • Courageous
  • Confident
  • Fearless

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Asustado /as.usˈtaðo/
French Effrayé /ɛfʁɛje/
German Angst /aŋst/
Hindi डरा हुआ (Dara hua) /dɾə hʊə/
Chinese (Mandarin) 害怕 (Hàipà) /haɪ˥ pʰa˥/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • American English: /əˈfreɪd/
  • British English: /əˈfreɪd/
  • Australian English: /əˈfreɪd/

Historical Usage

The word "afraid" has been used in English since the early 13th century. It was commonly used to describe a person who felt anxiety, fear, or dread. The modern sense of "afraid" as a reaction to a perceived threat or danger has remained consistent over time. Historically, the term was often used in religious and moral texts to describe fear of divine judgment or evil forces.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the concept of being "afraid" can take on various connotations. In some cultures, fear is viewed as a weakness, while in others, it may be seen as a natural and protective instinct. The term "afraid" may also have different cultural implications based on the context—whether in reference to personal safety, societal norms, or existential fears. In some cultures, bravery and fearlessness are highly valued, leading to a cultural stigma around expressing fear.

More Information

The word "afraid" plays a significant role in emotional and psychological contexts, particularly when discussing human reactions to danger and uncertainty. It can describe both rational and irrational fears, influencing behavior and decision-making. Cultural and societal attitudes toward fear often shape how people respond to it. Understanding the psychological aspects of fear and being "afraid" can offer insights into human behavior and coping mechanisms.

In literature and art, the emotion of fear is often portrayed through characters' experiences of being "afraid," serving as a tool for exploring themes of survival, courage, and vulnerability. The use of "afraid" in these contexts allows audiences to relate to characters and explore their own emotions in response to fear and anxiety.

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