Fearful
/ˈfɪərfəl/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Fearful describes a feeling of fear or worry. When someone is fearful, they feel scared or nervous about something they think could harm them or cause trouble. It can also describe things that cause fear or worry.
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See It in Action
Feeling afraid or worried about something
- •She was fearful of the loud thunder during the storm.
- •The fearful child hid behind the sofa when the dog barked.
- •Many people feel fearful before a big exam.
Causing fear or worry
- •The fearful news made everyone anxious.
- •The fearful shadow in the room made him stop walking.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "fearful" like "scared" (A1 word), but it can also mean a quieter, worried feeling, not just sudden fright.
- ✓Picture a small child holding a parent's hand tightly because they feel unsure or afraid in a dark room.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you hear a strange noise at night and your heart beats faster.
- ✓Sounds like "fear-full" → imagine your mind is full of fear, like a cup filled to the top with nervous feelings.
- ✓Think of a story where a character is cautious and looks around nervously before entering a dark cave.
- ✓NOT like "brave" (strong and without fear), "fearful" means having fear or worry.
- ✓NOT like "terrified" (very strong fear), "fearful" can be less intense, sometimes just concern or nervousness.
- ✓NOT like "fearless" (no fear), fearful is the opposite, showing presence of fear.
- ✓NOT like "panic" (sudden, strong fear), fearful can be calm but still worried or afraid.
Try Other Words
- •Afraid: feeling fear or worry (Use when talking about a person’s emotion in everyday situations)
- •Nervous: worried or anxious (Use when fear is mixed with worry or tension)
- •Anxious: feeling uneasy or worried about something (Use when fear is about future events)
- •Frightened: suddenly scared (Use when fear is quick and strong)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "fear" (feeling of being afraid) + suffix "-ful" (full of)
- •Etymology: From Old English "fǣr" meaning danger or sudden fear, combined with "-ful" meaning full of
- •Historical development: Originally meant full of fear or danger; now mostly describes feelings of fear
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe people’s feelings or things that cause fear or worry
Reflect & Connect
•When do you think it is helpful to feel fearful? Can fear protect us sometimes?
•How can being fearful affect the way people make decisions or act?
Fill in the blanks
1.She felt fearful ___ the dark forest because she thought it might be dangerous.
2.A fearful person usually tries to ___ from situations that seem risky or unknown.
3.The fearful look on his face showed he was ___ about what might happen next.
4.Unlike being brave, being fearful means you are ___ to take a risk or face danger.
5.When someone is fearful, they might speak ___ or avoid eye contact.
6.The fearful news made the entire town feel ___ and worried.
7.Fearful feelings often come ___ when people are unsure or feel threatened.