fearful — Feeling or showing fear; afraid or apprehensive about something that might happen.
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Feeling or showing fear; afraid or apprehensive about something that might happen.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɪrfəl/
Example Sentences
- My cat becomes fearful whenever the vacuum cleaner appears, hiding under the bed like a furry ninja.
- Students become fearful when the teacher announces a surprise quiz on Monday morning.
- The fearful roar of thunder made the children run to their parents.
fearful
ADJECTIVE[/ˈfɪrfəl/]
Feeling or showing fear; afraid or apprehensive about something that might happen.
Feeling or showing fear; afraid or apprehensive about something that might happen.
From fearful and tearful to hopeful and cheerful!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'fereful', combining 'fear' (from Old English 'fǣr' meaning sudden danger or peril) with the suffix '-ful'. The word literally means 'full of fear' or 'causing fear'.
Breakdown
fear (sudden danger, fright) + -ful (full of, characterized by)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My cat becomes fearful whenever the vacuum cleaner appears, hiding under the bed like a furry ninja.”
“Students become fearful when the teacher announces a surprise quiz on Monday morning.”
“The fearful roar of thunder made the children run to their parents.”
“He was fearful of giving a presentation in front of 200 people.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.