fearful
/ˈfɪərfl/Experiencing or showing fear or anxiety
She gave a fearful glance at the approaching storm.
She looked at the storm with fear and worry.
Often used to describe a person's emotional state or reaction to a threatening situation.
Causing fear or anxiety
The movie had a fearful scene that made everyone jump.
The movie had a scene that was very scary and startled everyone.
Can describe situations, events, or things that evoke fear.
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💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
The word 'fearful' can describe both the person experiencing fear and the thing causing fear. Pay attention to the context to understand its meaning.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While 'fearful' is a strong word, it can be overused in casual conversation. Consider using synonyms like 'anxious' or 'nervous' for less intense situations.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'ferful,' from Old English 'færful,' meaning 'full of fear,' from 'fær' (fear) + '-ful' (full of).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used to describe both the experience of fear and the cause of fear. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.