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A1 noun #578 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

frightened

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At the A1 level, 'frightened' is one of the first words you learn to describe feeling scared. It is a very useful word because everyone feels fear sometimes. You use it in simple sentences like 'I am frightened' or 'The boy is frightened.' At this level, you mostly use it with the verb 'to be' (am, is, are). You might also learn that it is similar to the word 'scared.' It is important to remember that 'frightened' describes how a person feels. For example, if you see a big dog and you feel fear, you can say 'I am frightened.' You can also use it with 'of' to say what makes you feel this way, like 'I am frightened of spiders.' Learning this word helps you talk about your feelings with your friends and teachers in a simple and clear way. It is a basic but very important part of your English vocabulary.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'frightened' in slightly more complex ways. You might use it to describe people in stories, like 'The frightened girl ran home.' You also begin to understand the difference between 'frightened' and 'frightening.' You know that 'frightened' is for the person and 'frightening' is for the thing that causes the fear, like a 'frightening movie.' You can also use adverbs like 'very' or 'a bit' to show how much fear someone feels, such as 'He was very frightened by the loud noise.' At this level, you are also becoming more comfortable using 'frightened' with the preposition 'of' and 'by.' For example, 'She is frightened of the dark' or 'They were frightened by the storm.' This allows you to give more information in your sentences and describe situations more accurately.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'frightened' with more confidence in both speaking and writing. You can use it to describe not just physical fear, but also more abstract fears, like being 'frightened of the future' or 'frightened of making mistakes.' You also start to use 'frightened' with the 'to-infinitive' pattern, such as 'I was frightened to tell him the truth.' This shows that the fear is connected to an action. You might also use it in the past perfect tense to describe feelings in a story, like 'He had been frightened of water since he was a child.' At this level, you are also learning more synonyms like 'terrified' or 'anxious' and you can choose 'frightened' when it is the most appropriate word for the situation. You are moving beyond simple descriptions to more nuanced expressions of emotion.

For B2 learners, 'frightened' is a word you can use with a high degree of precision. You understand its place in the hierarchy of fear words and can use it to create specific effects in your writing. You might use it in passive constructions, such as 'The public was frightened by the sudden change in policy,' to focus on the emotion rather than the cause. You also become familiar with idiomatic expressions like 'frightened out of one's wits' or 'frightened to death.' You can use these to add color and emphasis to your language. At this level, you can also use 'frightened' as an attributive adjective in more complex noun phrases, like 'the frightened and confused refugees.' You are able to discuss the psychological aspects of being frightened and how it affects people's behavior in different social and professional contexts.

At the C1 level, you use 'frightened' with the sophistication of a near-native speaker. You are aware of the subtle differences in register between 'frightened,' 'scared,' and 'alarmed.' You might use 'frightened' in a formal essay to describe a societal reaction, or in a literary analysis to discuss a character's internal conflict. You can also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Frightened though he was, he decided to continue.' This shows a high level of control over English syntax. You also understand the historical and cultural connotations of the word and can use it to evoke specific moods or atmospheres in your creative writing. You are able to distinguish between being 'frightened of' something (a general fear) and being 'frightened by' something (a specific event), and you use these prepositions correctly every time.

At the C2 level, your use of 'frightened' is completely natural and idiomatic. You can use it in any context, from the most formal academic discourse to the most casual slang-filled conversation. You are a master of the word's nuances and can use it to express very subtle shades of meaning. You might use it ironically or metaphorically, such as 'The frightened markets finally began to stabilize.' You also have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its relationship to other words in the English language. You can use 'frightened' in combination with a wide range of adverbs and other modifiers to create precisely the right tone. Your command of the word allows you to communicate complex emotional states and social dynamics with ease and elegance, reflecting a profound mastery of the English language.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

frightened en 30 secondes

Frightened is an adjective that describes the feeling of being scared or afraid due to danger or surprise.
It is commonly used with the prepositions 'of' (for general fears) and 'by' (for specific causes).
The word is more formal than 'scared' but less intense than 'terrified' or 'petrified'.
It is important to distinguish 'frightened' (the feeling) from 'frightening' (the cause of the feeling).

The word frightened serves as a powerful adjective in the English language, primarily used to describe a state of sudden, intense fear or anxiety. While the user categorized it as a noun, it is grammatically an adjective derived from the verb 'frighten' and the noun 'fright'. It captures the physiological and psychological reaction to a perceived threat, whether that threat is immediate and physical, like a growling dog, or abstract and future-oriented, like the fear of failing an important examination. In everyday conversation, people use 'frightened' to convey a sense of vulnerability. It is more formal than 'scared' but less intense than 'terrified' or 'petrified'. When you say you are frightened, you are communicating that your internal equilibrium has been disturbed by something alarming. This word is essential for expressing human emotion across all cultures because fear is a universal experience. It often appears in narratives, news reports, and personal anecdotes to provide emotional depth to a situation.

Emotional Intensity: Frightened sits in the middle of the fear spectrum. It is stronger than being 'uneasy' but milder than being 'horrified'.

The small child looked frightened when the thunder crashed loudly outside the window.

Understanding the nuance of 'frightened' involves recognizing its relationship with the environment. It is frequently followed by the preposition 'of' when identifying the source of fear, or 'to' when followed by a verb. For instance, one might be frightened of heights or frightened to speak in public. The word also implies a certain level of passivity; the person is being acted upon by an external stimulus that induces the fright. In psychological contexts, being frightened triggers the 'fight or flight' response, characterized by an increased heart rate and heightened senses. This biological underpinning is why the word is so frequently used in literature to describe a character's physical reaction—trembling hands, wide eyes, or a pale face.

Social Context: In social settings, admitting to being frightened can be a sign of honesty or vulnerability, often used to seek comfort or explanation from others.

I was frightened by the sudden silence in the old, dark house.

Furthermore, 'frightened' can describe a general disposition. A 'frightened person' might be someone who is habitually timid or easily startled. However, its most common usage remains situational. In professional writing, such as journalism, 'frightened' is used to describe the reaction of a population to a crisis or a market's reaction to economic instability. This versatility makes it a cornerstone of English vocabulary. It allows the speaker to bridge the gap between simple emotion and complex psychological states. Whether you are describing a character in a horror novel or explaining why you didn't want to go on a roller coaster, 'frightened' provides the necessary linguistic weight to convey the gravity of the fear experienced.

Grammatical Function: It functions as a participial adjective, meaning it is formed from a verb but describes a noun.

Don't be frightened; the dog is very friendly and won't bite.

She gave a frightened glance over her shoulder as she ran.

The frightened kitten hid under the sofa during the party.

Using 'frightened' correctly requires an understanding of its typical sentence structures and the prepositions that usually accompany it. The most common pattern is [Subject] + [Be/Feel/Look] + frightened. This describes the state of the subject. For example, 'He was frightened' or 'She felt frightened.' To specify the cause of the fear, we use the preposition 'of' followed by a noun or a gerund. 'I am frightened of spiders' or 'They were frightened of losing their jobs.' This structure is vital for clarity, as it connects the internal emotion to the external trigger. Another common pattern is [Subject] + [Be/Feel] + frightened + [To-Infinitive], such as 'She was frightened to walk home alone.' This indicates a fear that prevents or accompanies an action.

Passive Voice Usage: 'Frightened' can also appear in passive constructions where the agent is introduced by 'by'. For example: 'The residents were frightened by the sudden earthquake.'

Are you frightened of the dark, or is it just the silence that bothers you?

In more descriptive writing, 'frightened' can be used as an attributive adjective, meaning it comes before the noun it describes. Phrases like 'a frightened animal,' 'a frightened expression,' or 'frightened citizens' help paint a picture of the subjects' emotional state. It is also possible to modify 'frightened' with adverbs to indicate the degree of fear. Common modifiers include 'very,' 'extremely,' 'terribly,' 'easily,' and 'slightly.' For instance, 'He is easily frightened' suggests a personality trait, whereas 'She was terribly frightened' describes a profound, acute experience. Understanding these variations allows a speaker to be more expressive and precise in their communication.

Comparison with 'Scared': While 'scared' is more common in informal speech, 'frightened' often sounds more natural in written narratives or formal reports.

The witness was too frightened to identify the suspect in the courtroom.

Furthermore, 'frightened' can be used in negative sentences to show bravery or lack of concern. 'I'm not frightened of a little hard work' is a common idiomatic way to express willingness. In questions, it is often used to check on someone's well-being: 'You look frightened; did something happen?' This usage shows the word's role in empathy and social interaction. By mastering these patterns, learners can move beyond simple vocabulary and start building complex, meaningful sentences that accurately reflect human emotions and reactions to the world around them.

Adverbial Form: The adverb 'frightenedly' exists but is rare; usually, we use 'in a frightened way' or 'fearfully' instead.

Many people are frightened by the prospect of public speaking more than death itself.

He was frightened out of his wits by the sudden explosion.

The frightened deer leaped over the fence and disappeared into the woods.

You will encounter the word 'frightened' in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from classic literature to modern news media. In literature, especially in the genres of gothic horror, mystery, and children's stories, 'frightened' is a staple. Authors like Charles Dickens or Roald Dahl frequently use it to describe the inner lives of their protagonists when they face adversity. For example, a character might be 'frightened of the shadows' or 'frightened by a mysterious stranger.' In these contexts, the word helps build atmosphere and allows the reader to empathize with the character's plight. It is a word that evokes a visceral response, making the narrative more engaging and relatable.

News and Media: Journalists use 'frightened' to describe the public's reaction to major events, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or security threats.

The stock market became frightened after the unexpected announcement from the central bank.

In everyday spoken English, 'frightened' is often heard in conversations about personal experiences or fears. You might hear a friend say, 'I was so frightened when I thought I lost my phone,' or a parent telling a child, 'There's no need to be frightened of the doctor.' It is also common in movies and television shows, particularly in scenes of suspense or drama. When a character whispers, 'I'm frightened,' it immediately raises the stakes of the scene. Furthermore, the word appears in psychological and educational settings. Teachers might discuss how 'frightened' students are less likely to participate, or psychologists might explore why a patient is 'frightened of commitment.' In these professional contexts, the word is used to categorize and analyze human behavior.

Documentaries and Nature Shows: Narrators often use 'frightened' to describe the behavior of prey animals when a predator is nearby.

The frightened herd scattered in all directions as the lion approached.

Another interesting place you hear 'frightened' is in the context of idioms and common expressions. Phrases like 'frightened to death' or 'frightened out of one's wits' are used hyperbolically to describe extreme fear. You'll hear these in casual storytelling to add emphasis. For instance, 'That movie frightened me to death!' doesn't mean the person actually died, but that they were extremely scared. The word's presence in these fixed expressions highlights its deep integration into the English language. Whether it's a formal report on 'frightened investors' or a casual comment about being 'frightened of heights,' the word is a versatile tool for communicating the many shades of fear we encounter in life.

Political Rhetoric: Politicians sometimes use the word to describe a 'frightened electorate' to justify certain policies or to criticize opponents' tactics.

The frightened villagers sought refuge in the local church during the storm.

I was frightened by the intensity of the debate.

She looked frightened at the thought of moving to a new country.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'frightened' with 'frightening'. This is a common issue with many -ed/-ing adjective pairs in English (like bored/boring or interested/interesting). The rule is simple: the -ed ending describes the person who feels the emotion, while the -ing ending describes the thing that causes the emotion. Therefore, you are 'frightened' because the movie is 'frightening'. Saying 'I am frightening' means that you are scary to other people, which is usually not what the speaker intends! Another common error involves the use of prepositions. Many learners mistakenly use 'with' or 'about' instead of 'of' or 'by'. While you might be 'worried about' something, you are 'frightened of' or 'frightened by' it. Using the wrong preposition can make a sentence sound unnatural to native speakers.

The -ed vs -ing Confusion: Incorrect: 'The ghost was very frightened.' (Unless the ghost itself was scared!) Correct: 'The ghost was very frightening.'

He felt frightened (not frightening) after watching the horror film.

Another subtle mistake is the over-reliance on 'frightened' when a more specific word would be better. For example, if someone is extremely scared, 'terrified' or 'petrified' is more accurate. If they are only a little bit scared, 'nervous' or 'apprehensive' might be better. Using 'frightened' for every level of fear can make your writing seem repetitive or imprecise. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 'frightened' is an adjective and try to use it as a verb. While 'frighten' is the verb, 'frightened' is the past participle used as an adjective. You can say 'The dog frightened me' (verb) or 'I was frightened' (adjective), but you cannot say 'I frightened of the dog' (missing the verb 'to be').

Preposition Pitfalls: Incorrect: 'She is frightened about spiders.' Correct: 'She is frightened of spiders.'

The frightened boy (not the frightening boy) ran to his mother.

Finally, there is the issue of word order and intensity. Some learners place the adverb in the wrong position. For example, 'He was frightened very' is incorrect; it should be 'He was very frightened.' Also, be careful with the phrase 'frightened to death.' Because it is an idiom, it shouldn't be used in very formal or literal contexts unless you are actually describing a fatal heart attack caused by shock! In most cases, it's just a way to say 'very scared.' By being mindful of these common pitfalls—especially the -ed/-ing distinction and the correct prepositions—you can use 'frightened' with much greater confidence and accuracy in your English communication.

Verb vs Adjective: Don't forget the 'be' verb: 'I am frightened,' not 'I frightened.'

They were frightened by the loud noise in the basement.

The frightened passengers waited for instructions from the captain.

Are you frightened to go inside the cave?

While 'frightened' is a versatile word, English offers many synonyms that can provide more specific meaning depending on the situation. The most common alternative is 'scared,' which is slightly more informal and used frequently in daily conversation. If you want to convey a much stronger sense of fear, 'terrified' or 'petrified' are excellent choices. 'Terrified' implies an overwhelming, intense fear, while 'petrified' literally means 'turned to stone,' suggesting that the person is so scared they cannot move. On the other hand, if the fear is more about worry or unease, 'anxious,' 'apprehensive,' or 'nervous' might be more appropriate. These words describe a state of mind rather than a sudden shock.

Frightened vs Scared: 'Frightened' is often preferred in writing, while 'scared' is the go-to word for speaking. They are mostly interchangeable.

She was frightened of the dark, but her brother was absolutely terrified.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter words like 'alarmed' or 'daunted.' 'Alarmed' suggests a sudden awareness of danger, often used in news reports (e.g., 'Residents were alarmed by the rising water levels'). 'Daunted' is used when someone feels intimidated by a difficult task or a powerful person (e.g., 'He was daunted by the size of the project'). Another interesting synonym is 'spooked,' which is often used for animals or in casual contexts to describe a sudden, jumpy kind of fear. For example, 'The horse was spooked by the car.' By choosing the right synonym, you can convey the exact flavor of fear you mean, making your English more expressive and sophisticated.

Frightened vs Afraid: 'Afraid' is never used before a noun. You can say 'a frightened child' but not 'an afraid child'.

The frightened kitten looked tiny next to the large, barking dog.

Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving a high level of English proficiency. For instance, 'intimidated' describes fear caused by someone else's power or confidence, while 'horrified' describes fear mixed with disgust or shock. If you are 'startled,' you are surprised and frightened for just a brief second. In academic or psychological writing, you might see 'fearful' used as a more general adjective to describe a person's state or a situation. By expanding your vocabulary beyond 'frightened,' you can describe the human experience with much greater nuance and accuracy, allowing you to connect more deeply with your audience, whether you are writing an essay, telling a story, or having a conversation.

Summary of Alternatives: Scared (informal), Terrified (intense), Petrified (paralyzing), Alarmed (sudden), Intimidated (by power).

He was frightened of making a mistake in front of the audience.

The frightened rabbit froze in the headlights of the car.

I'm frightened to think what might have happened if we hadn't left early.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The 'gh' in 'frightened' is a remnant of a sound that used to be pronounced in Old English, similar to the 'ch' in the German word 'Nacht'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈfraɪ.tənd/

US /ˈfraɪ.tənd/

The stress is on the first syllable: FRIGHT-ened.

Rime avec

heightened lightened tightened brightened whitened enlightened straightened threatened

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'gh' (it is silent).
Adding an extra syllable like 'fright-en-ed' (it is two syllables).
Confusing the ending with 'frightening'.
Making the 'i' sound like 'bit' instead of 'bite'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'd' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is common in literature and easy to recognize.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct preposition use (of/by) and -ed/-ing distinction.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the silent 'gh' is learned.

Écoute 2/5

Easily understood in most contexts and accents.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

fear scared dark loud feel

Apprends ensuite

terrified anxious frightening petrified alarmed

Avancé

trepidation apprehension consternation intimidated daunted

Grammaire à connaître

Adjectives ending in -ed vs -ing

I am frightened (feeling) vs The movie is frightening (cause).

Prepositions with adjectives of emotion

Frightened of spiders, frightened by the noise.

Using 'too' with adjectives and infinitives

He was too frightened to move.

Stative verbs with adjectives

She looks frightened; he feels frightened.

Participle phrases as modifiers

Frightened by the dog, the boy ran away.

Exemples par niveau

I am frightened of the big dog.

Je suis effrayé par le gros chien.

Subject + am + frightened + of + noun.

The baby is frightened by the loud noise.

Le bébé est effrayé par le bruit fort.

Use 'by' to show the cause of the sudden fear.

Are you frightened?

As-tu peur ?

Question form: Are + subject + frightened?

Don't be frightened!

N'aie pas peur !

Imperative negative: Don't + be + frightened.

The cat is frightened of the water.

Le chat a peur de l'eau.

'Frightened of' is used for a general fear.

He looks frightened.

Il a l'air effrayé.

Using the linking verb 'looks' to describe appearance.

She was frightened in the dark room.

Elle avait peur dans la chambre noire.

Past tense: She + was + frightened.

We are not frightened of spiders.

Nous n'avons pas peur des araignées.

Negative form: are + not + frightened.

The frightened bird flew away quickly.

L'oiseau effrayé s'est envolé rapidement.

Attributive adjective: frightened + noun.

She was very frightened when the lights went out.

Elle était très effrayée quand les lumières se sont éteintes.

Using 'very' to increase the intensity.

He felt frightened because he was lost.

Il s'est senti effrayé parce qu'il était perdu.

Using 'felt' as a linking verb.

The children were frightened by the thunder.

Les enfants étaient effrayés par le tonnerre.

Passive structure: were + frightened + by.

I'm a bit frightened of heights.

J'ai un peu peur des hauteurs.

Using 'a bit' to show a small amount of fear.

The frightened horse ran across the field.

Le cheval effrayé a couru à travers le champ.

Attributive adjective in a simple past sentence.

They looked frightened after the movie.

Ils avaient l'air effrayés après le film.

Linking verb 'looked' followed by the adjective.

Was she frightened of the storm?

Avait-elle peur de l'orage ?

Past tense question form.

She was too frightened to move from her seat.

Elle était trop effrayée pour bouger de son siège.

Too + frightened + to-infinitive.

Many people are frightened of losing their jobs during a recession.

Beaucoup de gens ont peur de perdre leur emploi pendant une récession.

Frightened + of + gerund (-ing form).

He had always been frightened of flying.

Il avait toujours eu peur de prendre l'avion.

Past perfect tense: had + been + frightened.

The frightened puppy hid under the bed during the fireworks.

Le chiot effrayé s'est caché sous le lit pendant les feux d'artifice.

Attributive adjective in a descriptive sentence.

I was frightened that I would fail the exam.

J'avais peur d'échouer à l'examen.

Frightened + that-clause.

She gave a frightened laugh when she saw the prank.

Elle a poussé un rire effrayé quand elle a vu la farce.

Using 'frightened' to describe a specific action/sound.

The villagers were frightened by the rumors of war.

Les villageois étaient effrayés par les rumeurs de guerre.

Passive voice with an abstract cause.

Are you frightened to speak in front of a large audience?

As-tu peur de parler devant un large public ?

Question form with to-infinitive.

The witness was visibly frightened as she entered the courtroom.

Le témoin était visiblement effrayé en entrant dans la salle d'audience.

Using the adverb 'visibly' to modify the adjective.

He was frightened out of his wits by the sudden explosion.

Il a été mort de peur par l'explosion soudaine.

Idiom: frightened out of one's wits.

The company's investors are frightened of another market crash.

Les investisseurs de l'entreprise ont peur d'un autre krach boursier.

Using 'frightened' in a professional/economic context.

She was frightened to death when the car skidded on the ice.

Elle a eu une peur bleue quand la voiture a dérapé sur la glace.

Idiom: frightened to death (hyperbole).

The frightened animal was eventually rescued from the well.

L'animal effrayé a finalement été sauvé du puits.

Attributive adjective in a passive sentence.

I'm not frightened of a challenge, no matter how difficult it is.

Je n'ai pas peur d'un défi, peu importe sa difficulté.

Negative form used to show courage.

The child's frightened cries could be heard throughout the house.

Les cris effrayés de l'enfant pouvaient être entendus dans toute la maison.

Possessive noun + frightened + noun.

They were frightened by the sheer scale of the disaster.

Ils étaient effrayés par l'ampleur même de la catastrophe.

Frightened + by + noun phrase.

Frightened by the implications of the new law, many citizens began to protest.

Effrayés par les implications de la nouvelle loi, de nombreux citoyens ont commencé à protester.

Participle phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

The protagonist's frightened internal monologue reveals his deep-seated insecurities.

Le monologue intérieur effrayé du protagoniste révèle ses insécurités profondes.

Using 'frightened' in literary analysis.

It is a frightened and divided nation that heads to the polls tomorrow.

C'est une nation effrayée et divisée qui se rend aux urnes demain.

Using 'frightened' to describe a collective state.

She was frightened to the core by the realization of what she had done.

Elle était effrayée au plus profond d'elle-même par la réalisation de ce qu'elle avait fait.

Idiom: frightened to the core.

The markets, frightened by the political instability, saw a significant drop in value.

Les marchés, effrayés par l'instabilité politique, ont connu une baisse significative de leur valeur.

Appositive phrase modifying 'the markets'.

He was not easily frightened, but this situation was beyond his control.

Il n'était pas facilement effrayé, mais cette situation échappait à son contrôle.

Using 'easily' to modify the adjective.

The frightened expression on his face told me everything I needed to know.

L'expression effrayée sur son visage m'a dit tout ce que je devais savoir.

Attributive adjective in a complex sentence.

Frightened though she was, she managed to keep her voice steady.

Bien qu'elle soit effrayée, elle a réussi à garder sa voix stable.

Concessive structure: Adjective + though + subject + verb.

The collective psyche of the city remained frightened long after the threat had passed.

La psyché collective de la ville est restée effrayée longtemps après que la menace soit passée.

Using 'frightened' to describe a psychological state over time.

One might argue that a frightened populace is more susceptible to authoritarian rhetoric.

On pourrait soutenir qu'une population effrayée est plus sensible à la rhétorique autoritaire.

Using 'frightened' in a socio-political argument.

Her frightened gaze darted around the room, searching for an exit that wasn't there.

Son regard effrayé parcourait la pièce, cherchant une sortie qui n'existait pas.

Descriptive narrative usage with 'darted'.

The novel explores the lives of those frightened into silence by the regime.

Le roman explore la vie de ceux qui ont été réduits au silence par la peur du régime.

Frightened + into + noun (resultative construction).

He was frightened by the sheer vacuity of the modern political discourse.

Il était effrayé par la vacuité même du discours politique moderne.

Using 'frightened' for an intellectual/existential fear.

The frightened deer's sudden movement triggered a chain reaction in the herd.

Le mouvement soudain du cerf effrayé a déclenché une réaction en chaîne dans le troupeau.

Possessive adjective + frightened + noun.

She was frightened of the person she was becoming in that toxic environment.

Elle avait peur de la personne qu'elle devenait dans cet environnement toxique.

Frightened of + complex noun phrase.

To be frightened is a natural response, but to remain so is a choice.

Être effrayé est une réponse naturelle, mais le rester est un choix.

Using 'to be frightened' as a subject (infinitive phrase).

Synonymes

afraid scared fearful terrified alarmed petrified

Antonymes

brave confident unafraid

Collocations courantes

easily frightened

frightened of heights

frightened to death

look frightened

feel frightened

frightened expression

terribly frightened

frightened silence

frightened of the dark

frightened by the news

Phrases Courantes

Don't be frightened.

Frightened of one's own shadow.

Too frightened to speak.

Frightened for someone's life.

A frightened look.

Nothing to be frightened of.

Frightened out of one's skin.

Frightened of what might happen.

Get frightened.

Make someone frightened.

Souvent confondu avec

frightened vs frightening

Frightening is the cause (the movie), frightened is the feeling (the person).

frightened vs afraid

Afraid cannot be used before a noun (you can't say 'an afraid boy'), but frightened can.

frightened vs scared

Scared is more informal; frightened is slightly more formal and descriptive.

Expressions idiomatiques

"frightened to death"

Extremely scared or terrified.

I was frightened to death when the car nearly hit us.

informal

"frightened out of one's wits"

So scared that one cannot think clearly.

The ghost story frightened the kids out of their wits.

informal

"frightened of one's own shadow"

Being very easily scared or nervous.

Ever since the accident, she's been frightened of her own shadow.

informal

"scared/frightened stiff"

So scared that you cannot move.

I was frightened stiff when I saw the figure in the hallway.

informal

"frightened the life out of someone"

To give someone a very big shock or scare.

You frightened the life out of me by jumping out like that!

informal

"frightened of a shadow"

Similar to 'frightened of one's own shadow,' meaning timid.

He won't go into the basement; he's frightened of a shadow.

informal

"frightened silly"

To be very scared, often used in a slightly lighter way.

The children were frightened silly by the clown.

informal

"frightened into submission"

Forced to obey because of fear.

The population was frightened into submission by the army.

formal

"frightened of the light"

Metaphorically, being afraid of the truth or exposure.

The corrupt officials were frightened of the light of the investigation.

literary

"frightened beyond measure"

Scared more than can be described.

The survivors were frightened beyond measure by what they saw.

literary

Facile à confondre

frightened vs frightening

Both come from the same root verb.

Frightening describes the thing that causes fear, while frightened describes the person who feels it.

The frightening ghost made the children feel frightened.

frightened vs afraid

They have almost the same meaning.

Afraid is a predicative adjective (used after a verb), while frightened can be both predicative and attributive (used before a noun).

The frightened child was afraid.

frightened vs terrified

They both describe being scared.

Terrified is much stronger than frightened.

I was frightened by the noise, but I was terrified when I saw the fire.

frightened vs nervous

Both involve a lack of confidence.

Nervous is about worry or tension, while frightened is about actual fear or alarm.

I was nervous about the speech, but I was frightened when the microphone failed.

frightened vs startled

Both involve a reaction to something sudden.

Startled is a very brief reaction to a surprise; frightened can last much longer.

I was startled by the door slamming, and I remained frightened for several minutes.

Structures de phrases

I am frightened of [noun].

I am frightened of snakes.

The [adjective] [noun] was frightened.

The little boy was frightened.

She was frightened to [verb].

She was frightened to jump.

[Subject] was frightened by [noun phrase].

The cat was frightened by the vacuum cleaner.

Frightened by [noun], [subject] [verb].

Frightened by the storm, the hikers turned back.

[Subject] was frightened into [noun/gerund].

They were frightened into staying silent.

It was a frightened [noun].

It was a frightened rabbit.

Don't be frightened of [noun].

Don't be frightened of the dark.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I am frightening of spiders. → I am frightened of spiders.
You are the one feeling the fear, so you must use the -ed ending.
The frightened movie was long. → The frightening movie was long.
The movie causes the fear, so it must be 'frightening'.
He is frightened about the dark. → He is frightened of the dark.
The standard preposition to use with 'frightened' for general fears is 'of'.
I frightened when I saw the snake. → I was frightened when I saw the snake.
'Frightened' is an adjective here and needs the verb 'to be'.
An afraid child ran away. → A frightened child ran away.
'Afraid' cannot be used before a noun; 'frightened' is the correct choice here.

Astuces

The -ed/-ing Rule

Always remember: -ed is for how YOU feel (frightened), -ing is for what the THING is (frightening).

Use Synonyms

To sound more like a native speaker, use 'terrified' for big fears and 'scared' for small, everyday fears.

Preposition Choice

Use 'frightened of' for things you are always scared of, and 'frightened by' for a one-time event that scared you.

Silent Letters

Don't let the 'gh' confuse you; it's silent! Focus on the 'fright' sound which is the same as 'light' or 'night'.

Tone Matters

When you hear someone say they are 'frightened', listen to their voice to see if they are truly scared or just exaggerating.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'frightened' in your school essays or stories; it sounds more professional than 'scared'.

Visual Cues

Associate the word with a specific memory of when you were scared to help the word stick in your mind.

Attributive Use

Remember you can say 'a frightened boy' but you cannot say 'an afraid boy'. This makes 'frightened' more useful!

Hyperbole

Don't be afraid to use 'frightened to death' in casual stories to show you were really, really scared.

Daily Use

Try to describe one thing that frightened you each day in your journal to practice the word in context.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'FRIGHT' in the 'NIGHT' that makes you 'FRIGHTENED'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a small kitten with big, wide eyes and its fur standing on end.

Word Web

Fear Scared Thunder Spiders Dark Shaking Pale Heartbeat

Défi

Try to use 'frightened' in three different sentences today: one about an animal, one about a movie, and one about a personal fear.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English word 'fyrhtu' meaning fear or dread. The verb 'frighten' was formed by adding the suffix '-en' to the noun 'fright'.

Sens originel : The original sense was to fill with fear or to strike with sudden terror.

Germanic (related to Old High German 'forhta').

Contexte culturel

Be sensitive when using 'frightened' to describe people from vulnerable groups, as it can sometimes imply weakness.

In the UK and US, being 'frightened' is a common way to express vulnerability, though men were traditionally expected to be 'unafraid'.

The 'Frightened Face' emoji (😨). The movie 'The Frighteners' (1996). The poem 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe, which evokes a frightened mood.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Watching a horror movie

I'm too frightened to look!
That was a frightened scream.
Are you frightened yet?
I get frightened easily.

During a storm

The dog is frightened of thunder.
Don't be frightened by the lightning.
She felt frightened in the dark.
A frightened flash of light.

In a job interview

I was frightened of making a mistake.
He looked a bit frightened.
Don't be frightened to ask questions.
I felt frightened by the panel.

Encountering an animal

The frightened bird flew away.
Are you frightened of snakes?
He was frightened by the growl.
A frightened look in the deer's eyes.

Talking about the future

I'm frightened of what's to come.
She's frightened of failing.
Many are frightened by the changes.
Don't be frightened of the future.

Amorces de conversation

"What is one thing you were frightened of when you were a child?"

"Have you ever been frightened by a movie that wasn't supposed to be scary?"

"Do you think people are more frightened of the dark or of being alone?"

"What makes you feel more frightened: a loud noise or a sudden silence?"

"How do you usually act when you are very frightened?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you were frightened but had to be brave anyway. What happened?

Write about a fictional character who is frightened of something very unusual.

Do you think it is okay for adults to admit they are frightened? Why or why not?

How does your body feel when you are frightened? Describe the physical sensations.

What are some things in the world today that make people feel frightened?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Grammatically, 'frightened' is an adjective. It describes a person's state of mind. The noun form is 'fright'.

It is more natural to say 'I am frightened of spiders.' We usually use 'of' for general fears.

'Scared' is more common in informal speech, while 'frightened' is often used in writing or more formal contexts. They mean the same thing.

The 'gh' is silent. You do not pronounce it at all. The word sounds like 'FRY-tend'.

Yes, 'frightened' is commonly used to describe animals that are scared, like a 'frightened cat' or a 'frightened horse'.

They are very similar in strength, but 'frightened' often implies a more sudden or physical reaction than 'afraid'.

No, you should use 'frightening' to describe a situation. 'Frightened' only describes the person feeling the fear.

It is an idiom that means you are extremely scared. It is usually an exaggeration and doesn't mean actual death.

Common opposites include 'brave', 'confident', 'unafraid', and 'fearless'.

No, 'frightened' is the adjective or the past tense/past participle of the verb 'frighten'. You can say 'The dog frightened me'.