afraid
Translation
afraid, scared, worried
Examples
I'm afraid of spiders.
I'm afraid of spiders.
He was afraid to speak.
He was afraid to speak.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
I'm afraid I can't help you.
Grammar Patterns
afraid of ((sth./sb.)) feeling fear of (sth./sb.) I'm afraid of spiders.
afraid to ((to-inf)) reluctant to do something because of fear He was afraid to speak.
afraid that ... used to politely tell someone something that may be unpleasant I'm afraid that we are late.
Similar Words
Synonyms: scared, frightened, terrified; Antonyms: brave, courageous, fearless
Etymology
From Middle English 'afreden', past participle of 'afreden' (to frighten), from 'a-' (intensive prefix) + Old English 'frǣdan' (to frighten).
Memory Tips
Think of being in a 'fray' (a fight) - you would be afraid.