 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Afraid
Pronunciation : A*fraid"
Part of Speech : p. a.
Etymology : [OE. afrayed, affraide, p. p. of afraien to affray. See Affray, and cf. Afeard.]
Definition : Defn: Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear; apprehensive. [Afraid comes after the noun it limits.] "Back they recoiled, afraid." Milton.
Note: This word expresses a less degree of fear than terrified or frightened. It is followed by of before the object of fear, or by the infinitive, or by a dependent clause; as, to be afraid of death. "I am afraid to die." "I am afraid he will chastise me." "Be not afraid that I your hand should take." Shak. I am afraid is sometimes used colloquially to soften a statement; as, I am afraid I can not help you in this matter.
Syn. -- Fearful; timid; timorous; alarmed; anxious.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Merriam-Webster's Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder                               |