afraid
Afraid is an adjective used to describe the feeling of fear, worry, or anxiety about a specific person, thing, or situation. It is also frequently used in polite speech to introduce bad news or express a disagreement in a gentle way.
Examples
3 of 5I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.
I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.
I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.
I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Afraid starts with 'A' like 'Alarm'—both mean you feel fear or danger!
Quick Quiz
She is ______ of flying, so she always travels by train.
Correct!
The correct answer is: afraid
Examples
I am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.
everydayI am afraid of large dogs because they can be quite loud.
I am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.
formalI am afraid that your application has been declined due to missing signatures.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.
informalDon't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck on the game.
Sociologists are afraid that the current economic trend will increase inequality.
academicSociologists are afraid that the current economic trend will increase inequality.
I'm afraid I cannot make it to the board meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
businessI'm afraid I cannot make it to the board meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
I'm afraid so
I'm afraid so (used to confirm bad news)
Afraid of one's own shadow
Afraid of one's own shadow (to be very easily frightened)
I'm afraid not
I'm afraid not (used to give a polite negative answer)
Often Confused With
Afraid is usually used after a verb like 'to be', while scared can be used both after a verb and before a noun (e.g., 'a scared cat' is correct, but 'an afraid cat' is not).
Fearful is more formal and often describes a general state or a specific reaction, whereas afraid is more common in everyday conversation.
Usage Notes
Afraid is a predicative adjective, which means it is placed after the verb (e.g., 'She is afraid'). You should never place it directly before a noun.
Common Mistakes
Many learners say 'I am afraid to spiders,' but the correct preposition to use after afraid is 'of' (e.g., 'afraid of spiders').
Memory Tip
Afraid starts with 'A' like 'Alarm'—both mean you feel fear or danger!
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'esfreier', which means to disturb, frighten, or scare.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British and American English, starting a sentence with 'I'm afraid...' is a common way to be polite when refusing an invitation or giving bad news.
Quick Quiz
She is ______ of flying, so she always travels by train.
Correct!
The correct answer is: afraid
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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