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A2 adjective 9 min de leitura

apeuré

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apeuré em 30 segundos

  • Apeuré means scared or frightened.
  • It describes a state of fear.
  • Used for moderate fear, not extreme terror.
  • Requires gender and number agreement.
The French adjective "apeuré" directly translates to "frightened" or "scared" in English. It describes a state of being filled with fear or apprehension. You'll hear this word used when someone experiences a sudden feeling of alarm, dread, or nervousness due to something perceived as dangerous, threatening, or unusual. It's a common adjective used in everyday conversations to express a mild to moderate level of fear. For instance, a child might be "apeuré" by a loud noise, or someone might feel "apeuré" in a dark, unfamiliar place. The intensity of the fear can vary, but "apeuré" generally implies a visible or palpable reaction to fear. It's not typically used for extreme terror, where words like "terrifié" (terrified) would be more appropriate.
Usage Context
Used to describe a person or animal experiencing fear.
Common Situations
Sudden loud noises, encountering something unexpected, feeling unsafe, watching a scary movie.

Le petit garçon était apeuré par le chien bruyant.

The little boy was scared by the noisy dog.
In French literature and everyday speech, "apeuré" is frequently used to portray characters' emotional states. For example, a character venturing into a spooky forest might be described as "apeuré" by the rustling leaves and strange shadows. Similarly, an animal startled by a sudden event could be "apeuré." It conveys a sense of vulnerability and a reaction to perceived danger. The word's origin, stemming from "peur" (fear), makes its meaning quite intuitive. It's a versatile adjective that can be applied to humans and animals alike, capturing that moment of being taken aback by something frightening. The visual of someone with wide eyes and a trembling voice often accompanies the description of being "apeuré."

Elle se sentait apeurée dans le vieux château.

She felt scared in the old castle.
The term "apeuré" is rooted in the French word "peur," meaning "fear." This etymological connection makes its meaning quite transparent. When someone is "apeuré," they are experiencing "peur." This adjective is particularly useful for describing a state of being startled or unnerved. Imagine a hiker who hears a sudden snap of a twig behind them in a dense forest; they might become "apeuré." Or a child who sees a spooky shadow on the wall could be described as "apeuré." It's a common adjective that adds a layer of emotional detail to descriptions. It's important to note that "apeuré" generally describes a feeling of fear that is noticeable but not necessarily overwhelming. For more extreme fear, other words might be used.
Root Word
Peur (fear)
Intensity
Moderate fear, startled, apprehensive.
Using "apeuré" correctly in French sentences is straightforward, as it functions as a descriptive adjective. It needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For masculine singular nouns, it remains "apeuré." For feminine singular nouns, you add an "e" to make it "apeurée." For masculine plural nouns, you add an "s" to make it "apeurés," and for feminine plural nouns, you add "es" to make it "apeurées."
Agreement Rules
Masculine singular: apeuré
Feminine singular: apeurée
Masculine plural: apeurés
Feminine plural: apeurées

Le chat était apeuré par le bruit soudain.

The cat was scared by the sudden noise.
You can place "apeuré" after the noun it describes, which is the most common position for descriptive adjectives in French. It can also follow verbs like "être" (to be) or "sembler" (to seem) to describe the subject. For example, "Il est apeuré" (He is scared). When describing a group of people or things, remember to use the plural forms. If you're talking about a group of men and women who are scared, you would use "apeurés" (masculine plural takes precedence). If you're talking about a group of women who are scared, you would use "apeurées."

Les enfants étaient apeurés par l'orage.

The children were scared by the storm.
Consider sentences where "apeuré" modifies different subjects. If a female character is frightened, you'd say "Elle est apeurée." If a group of animals is scared, you might say "Les animaux semblaient apeurés." The adjective "apeuré" can also be used in more complex sentence structures, but the core principle of agreement remains the same. It's a versatile word that adds a crucial emotional dimension to your French descriptions. Remember to practice conjugating it with different subjects to solidify your understanding.

La vieille femme était visiblement apeurée.

The old woman was visibly scared.
You'll encounter the word "apeuré" in a wide variety of everyday French contexts. In casual conversations, friends might describe a recent scary experience. For instance, "J'ai vu un film d'horreur hier soir, j'étais vraiment apeuré!" (I saw a horror movie last night, I was really scared!). It's also common in descriptions of children's reactions. A parent might say, "Mon fils était apeuré par le clown à la fête." (My son was scared by the clown at the party).
Everyday Chat
Talking about personal experiences, describing reactions to events.
Media
Movies, books, news reports describing fear.

Après avoir entendu le bruit suspect, le chien est resté apeuré pendant une heure.

After hearing the suspicious noise, the dog remained scared for an hour.
In literature and film, "apeuré" is used to paint a picture of a character's emotional state. You might read, "Le personnage principal, se retrouvant seul dans l'obscurité, se sentait de plus en plus apeuré." (The main character, finding himself alone in the dark, felt increasingly scared). News reports might describe the reaction of people to a frightening event, such as a natural disaster: "Les habitants étaient apeurés par la violence de la tempête." (The inhabitants were scared by the violence of the storm). Even in descriptions of animals, it's common: "Le petit oiseau était apeuré par le faucon." (The little bird was scared by the falcon).

Elle raconta à ses amis comment elle était apeurée par la rencontre inattendue.

She told her friends how she was scared by the unexpected encounter.
In educational materials for children learning French, "apeuré" is often used to describe characters in stories who are scared of something. For example, a story about a mouse might say, "La souris était apeurée par le chat." (The mouse was scared by the cat). This makes the word easily understandable for younger learners. Similarly, in travel guides or discussions about visiting historical sites, one might describe a potentially unnerving atmosphere: "Le vieux cimetière peut sembler un peu apeurant la nuit." (The old cemetery can seem a bit scary at night), using the related adjective "apeurant" (frightening).

Le bruit des pas dans la maison vide le rendait apeuré.

The sound of footsteps in the empty house made him scared.
One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning French is the incorrect gender and number agreement of "apeuré." Remember that adjectives in French must agree with the noun they modify. Forgetting to add the "e" for feminine nouns or the "s" for plural nouns can lead to grammatical errors. For example, saying "la fille est apeuré" instead of "la fille est apeurée" is incorrect.
Agreement Errors
Incorrectly matching gender and number with the noun (e.g., using "apeuré" for a feminine noun).

Incorrect: Le garçon est apeuré la nuit.

Correct: Le garçon est apeuré la nuit.

The boy is scared at night.
Another potential pitfall is using "apeuré" when a stronger or different emotion is intended. While "apeuré" means scared, it might not be strong enough for situations of extreme terror. In such cases, "terrifié" (terrified) or "effrayé" (frightened, often with a more sudden impact) might be more appropriate. Overusing "apeuré" can dilute its impact.

Incorrect: La victime était apeurée par l'accident.

Correct: La victime était terrifiée par l'accident.

The victim was terrified by the accident.
Another common mistake involves confusion with similar-sounding words or words with related meanings. For instance, confusing "apeuré" with "affamé" (hungry) or other adjectives ending in "é" is possible for beginners. Always double-check the spelling and meaning. Furthermore, some learners might place "apeuré" incorrectly within the sentence. While it usually follows the noun or comes after a linking verb, placing it before the noun without a specific stylistic reason is generally not standard.

Incorrect: Un apeuré enfant a couru.

Correct: Un enfant apeuré a couru.

A scared child ran.
While "apeuré" is a common and useful word for "scared," French offers several alternatives depending on the nuance and intensity of the emotion.
Effrayé
Often implies a sudden fright or alarm. It can be used interchangeably with "apeuré" in many contexts, but sometimes suggests a more immediate reaction. For example, "Il a été effrayé par un bruit soudain." (He was frightened by a sudden noise).
Inquiet
Means "worried" or "anxious." It describes a state of unease rather than outright fear. Someone might be "inquiet" about an upcoming exam, which is different from being "apeuré" by a scary movie.
Nerveux
Means "nervous." This is similar to "inquiet" but often implies a physical manifestation of anxiety, like trembling or fidgeting. One can be "nerveux" before a public speech.
Timid
Means "shy" or "timid." This describes a personality trait or a lack of confidence in social situations, not fear of danger.
Terrifié
This is a stronger word, meaning "terrified." It's used for extreme fear, far beyond the level implied by "apeuré." For example, "Le témoin était terrifié par le criminel." (The witness was terrified by the criminal).

Comparison: J'étais apeuré par le bruit, mais pas terrifié.

I was scared by the noise, but not terrified.
When choosing between "apeuré" and "effrayé," consider the suddenness of the fear. "Effrayé" often implies a more immediate, startling reaction. For example, if a door slams shut unexpectedly, you might be "effrayé." If you are in a place that generally makes you feel uneasy, you might describe yourself as "apeuré."

Comparison: L'ombre soudaine l'a effrayé, le rendant apeuré.

The sudden shadow startled him, making him scared.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root "peur" is very old and can be traced back to Latin "pavor," meaning "fear" or "terror." This shows the deep linguistic connection to the concept of fear in Romance languages.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /a.pe.ʁe/
US /a.pe.ʁe/
The stress in "apeuré" falls on the final syllable, "-ré."
Rima com
paré sacré clairé libéré carré honoré déclaré préparé
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly like in English.
  • Not closing the final 'é' sound sufficiently.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

This is a common adjective, easily recognizable for learners at the A2 CEFR level. Its meaning is straightforward, and it appears frequently in texts suitable for beginners.

Escrita 2/5

The main challenge in writing is ensuring correct gender and number agreement. Once this rule is mastered, using "apeuré" is simple.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively simple. The key is to practice the French 'r' and the final 'é' sound. The meaning is easy to convey in conversation.

Audição 2/5

The word is frequently used in spoken French, so learners will encounter it often. Its pronunciation is distinct enough to be recognized.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

peur (fear) avoir (to have) être (to be) chien (dog) chat (cat)

Aprenda a seguir

effrayé (frightened) terrifié (terrified) angoissé (anxious) courageux (brave) calme (calm)

Avançado

terreur (terror) effroi (dread) appréhension (apprehension) panique (panic) phobie (phobia)

Gramática essencial

Adjective Agreement (Gender and Number)

Le garçon est apeuré. (masculine singular) La fille est apeurée. (feminine singular) Les garçons sont apeurés. (masculine plural) Les filles sont apeurées. (feminine plural)

Use of 'Être' with Adjectives

Elle est apeurée par le bruit. (She is scared by the noise.)

Use of 'Se Sentir' with Adjectives

Il se sent apeuré dans le noir. (He feels scared in the dark.)

Verb 'Rendre' to Cause an Emotion

Le film l'a rendu apeuré. (The movie made him scared.)

Placement of Descriptive Adjectives

Un enfant apeuré court vite. (A scared child runs fast.) - Adjective usually follows the noun, but can precede for emphasis or with common adjectives.

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Exemplos por nível

1

Le chien est apeuré.

The dog is scared.

2

Il est apeuré par le bruit.

He is scared by the noise.

3

Elle est apeurée.

She is scared.

4

Le chat est apeuré.

The cat is scared.

5

Nous sommes apeurés.

We are scared.

6

Les enfants sont apeurés.

The children are scared.

7

C'est apeurant.

It is scary.

8

J'ai peur, je suis apeuré.

I am afraid, I am scared.

1

Le petit garçon était apeuré par le monstre.

The little boy was scared by the monster.

Past tense (imperfect) used to describe a state.

2

Elle s'est sentie apeurée dans le noir.

She felt scared in the dark.

Reflexive verb 'se sentir' (to feel) + adjective.

3

Les animaux sont souvent apeurés par les feux d'artifice.

Animals are often scared by fireworks.

General statement using present tense.

4

Le chien apeuré s'est caché sous le lit.

The scared dog hid under the bed.

Adjective placed before the noun it modifies (less common but possible for emphasis or certain adjectives).

5

Ne sois pas apeuré, c'est juste un chat.

Don't be scared, it's just a cat.

Imperative mood with negative.

6

J'étais apeuré quand j'ai entendu le bruit.

I was scared when I heard the noise.

Past tense (imperfect) + subordinate clause with 'quand'.

7

La scène du film m'a rendu apeuré.

The scene from the movie made me scared.

Verb 'rendre' (to make) + adjective.

8

Les spectateurs étaient apeurés par le spectacle.

The spectators were scared by the show.

Plural agreement.

1

Il se sentait visiblement apeuré par l'atmosphère étrange du lieu.

He visibly felt scared by the strange atmosphere of the place.

Adverb 'visiblement' modifying 'apeuré'.

2

Même si elle essayait de paraître courageuse, son regard trahissait une femme apeurée.

Even though she tried to appear brave, her gaze betrayed a scared woman.

Use of 'paraître' (to appear) and 'trahir' (to betray).

3

Le randonneur apeuré a décidé de rebrousser chemin.

The scared hiker decided to turn back.

Adjective 'apeuré' modifying 'randonneur'.

4

Les enfants apeurés se sont réfugiés auprès de leurs parents.

The scared children took refuge with their parents.

Plural feminine agreement and reflexive verb 'se réfugier'.

5

L'histoire qu'il racontait rendait l'auditoire légèrement apeuré.

The story he was telling made the audience slightly scared.

Use of 'rendre' with an indirect object and an adverb 'légèrement'.

6

Elle a avoué être apeurée par les araignées depuis son enfance.

She admitted to being scared of spiders since her childhood.

Infinitive clause after 'être' + preposition 'par'.

7

Ce film d'horreur, bien que réaliste, ne m'a pas laissé apeuré.

This horror movie, although realistic, did not leave me scared.

Negative statement with 'ne...pas' and verb 'laisser'.

8

Les animaux apeurés par le tonnerre cherchaient un abri.

The animals scared by the thunder were looking for shelter.

Past participle used as an adjective, followed by 'par'.

1

Malgré son assurance affichée, le suspect semblait foncièrement apeuré face aux questions.

Despite his displayed confidence, the suspect seemed fundamentally scared in the face of the questions.

Adverb 'foncièrement' (fundamentally) and prepositional phrase 'face aux'.

2

La réaction apeurée des passants face à l'incident a rapidement alerté les secours.

The scared reaction of the passers-by to the incident quickly alerted the emergency services.

Noun phrase with adjective 'apeurée' modifying 'réaction'.

3

Il est rare de voir un animal aussi apeuré, même face à un prédateur.

It is rare to see an animal so scared, even when facing a predator.

Structure 'Il est rare de voir...' + intensifier 'aussi'.

4

Le silence prolongé rendait le personnage encore plus apeuré.

The prolonged silence made the character even more scared.

Comparative structure 'encore plus'.

5

Elle raconta son aventure, décrivant le sentiment d'être une proie apeurée.

She recounted her adventure, describing the feeling of being a scared prey.

Metaphorical use of 'proie apeurée' (scared prey).

6

Les échos dans le couloir désert accentuaient le malaise du visiteur apeuré.

The echoes in the deserted corridor accentuated the unease of the scared visitor.

Use of 'accentuer' (to accentuate) and descriptive nouns.

7

Même les plus aguerris pouvaient se sentir apeurés face à l'immensité de l'océan.

Even the most experienced could feel scared facing the immensity of the ocean.

Conditional tense and use of 'face à'.

8

Le comportement apeuré du chien a alerté ses propriétaires d'un danger potentiel.

The dog's scared behavior alerted its owners to a potential danger.

Possessive adjective + noun + adjective structure.

1

Son regard, teinté d'une peur quasi palpable, révélait un homme profondément apeuré par les événements.

His gaze, tinged with an almost palpable fear, revealed a man deeply scared by the events.

Figurative language ('teinté d'une peur quasi palpable') and adverb 'profondément'.

2

La foule, initialement curieuse, devint rapidement apeurée face à la tournure inattendue des événements.

The crowd, initially curious, quickly became scared in the face of the unexpected turn of events.

Use of 'initialement' and 'rapidement', and 'face à'.

3

Il est rare qu'un artiste exprime aussi crûment le sentiment d'être une créature apeurée.

It is rare for an artist to express so crudely the feeling of being a scared creature.

Subjunctive mood ('qu'un artiste exprime') and adverb 'crûment'.

4

Le silence pesant de la forêt amplifiait la sensation d'être observé, laissant le marcheur de plus en plus apeuré.

The heavy silence of the forest amplified the feeling of being watched, leaving the walker increasingly scared.

Use of 'pesant' (heavy/oppressive) and 'amplifiait'.

5

Même dans le confort de son foyer, elle ne pouvait se défaire de cette impression d'être une proie apeurée.

Even in the comfort of her home, she could not shake off this impression of being a scared prey.

Idiomatic expression 'se défaire de' (to shake off/get rid of).

6

L'audace du prédateur laissait l'animal apeuré sans aucune échappatoire.

The audacity of the predator left the scared animal with no escape.

Use of 'audace' (audacity) and 'échappatoire' (escape route).

7

Ce n'est pas tant le danger réel qui le rendait apeuré, mais plutôt l'anticipation de celui-ci.

It is not so much the real danger that made him scared, but rather the anticipation of it.

Structure 'Ce n'est pas tant... mais plutôt...' (It is not so much... but rather...).

8

Le récit du naufrage dépeignait des survivants apeurés luttant contre les éléments déchaînés.

The account of the shipwreck depicted scared survivors battling against the raging elements.

Use of 'dépeignait' (depicted) and 'éléments déchaînés' (raging elements).

1

Son expression, empreinte d'une terreur muette, trahissait un homme non pas simplement apeuré, mais submergé par l'horreur.

His expression, marked by a silent terror, betrayed a man not simply scared, but overwhelmed by horror.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('empreinte', 'submergé') and nuanced comparison.

2

La psyché humaine, face à l'inconnu, peut générer des états de malaise profond, rendant l'individu apeuré même en l'absence de menace tangible.

The human psyche, facing the unknown, can generate states of deep unease, making the individual scared even in the absence of tangible threat.

Abstract concepts ('psyché humaine', 'menace tangible') and complex sentence structure.

3

L'artiste a magistralement capturé la vulnérabilité de l'enfant apeuré, son regard reflétant toute l'innocence perdue.

The artist masterfully captured the vulnerability of the scared child, his gaze reflecting all the lost innocence.

Adverbs ('magistralement') and evocative imagery ('regard reflétant toute l'innocence perdue').

4

La détresse apeurée des réfugiés, confrontés à l'incertitude de leur avenir, résonnait dans chaque recoin du camp.

The scared distress of the refugees, facing the uncertainty of their future, resonated in every corner of the camp.

Complex noun phrase ('détresse apeurée') and evocative verb ('résonnait').

5

Il n'était pas simplement apeuré par le danger immédiat, mais par la réalisation de sa propre impuissance.

He was not simply scared by the immediate danger, but by the realization of his own powerlessness.

Contrastive structure ('pas simplement... mais par...') and abstract noun ('impuissance').

6

Le récit, bien que factuel, parvenait à susciter une angoisse sourde, laissant le lecteur subtilement apeuré.

The account, although factual, managed to evoke a dull anguish, leaving the reader subtly scared.

Use of 'parvenait à susciter' (managed to evoke) and adverbs 'subtilement'.

7

Face à l'abîme de l'inconnu, même le plus stoïque peut se retrouver paralysé, le cœur battant d'un homme apeuré.

Facing the abyss of the unknown, even the most stoic can find themselves paralyzed, the heart beating of a scared man.

Metaphorical language ('abîme de l'inconnu') and detailed physical description ('cœur battant').

8

La détresse des animaux apeurés, capturés dans leur environnement perturbé, illustrait la cruauté de l'exploitation humaine.

The distress of the scared animals, captured in their disturbed environment, illustrated the cruelty of human exploitation.

Complex noun phrases and thematic depth.

Colocações comuns

être apeuré par
se sentir apeuré
rendre apeuré
visiblement apeuré
légèrement apeuré
profondément apeuré
un regard apeuré
une réaction apeurée
rester apeuré
sembler apeuré

Frases Comuns

être apeuré par quelque chose

— To be scared by something.

Le chien est toujours apeuré par les orages.

se sentir apeuré

— To feel scared.

Elle se sentait apeurée seule dans la maison.

rendre quelqu'un apeuré

— To make someone scared.

Ce bruit étrange le rendait apeuré.

avoir l'air apeuré

— To look scared.

Il avait l'air apeuré quand il a entendu la nouvelle.

ne pas être apeuré

— To not be scared.

Elle n'était pas apeurée par le film.

rester apeuré

— To remain scared.

Le chat est resté apeuré pendant des heures.

un petit peu apeuré

— A little bit scared.

J'étais un petit peu apeuré par le noir.

très apeuré

— Very scared.

L'enfant était très apeuré par le chien.

quasiment apeuré

— Almost scared.

Il était quasiment apeuré par l'idée.

laissant quelqu'un apeuré

— Leaving someone scared.

L'expérience l'a laissé apeuré.

Frequentemente confundido com

apeuré vs affamé

This sounds somewhat similar but means "hungry." The spelling and meaning are completely different. "Apeuré" relates to fear, while "affamé" relates to hunger.

apeuré vs aimé

This means "loved" or "liked." It shares the "-é" ending but has a different root and meaning. "Apeuré" is about fear, "aimé" is about affection.

apeuré vs enfermé

This means "locked up" or "enclosed." While being enclosed might cause fear, "enfermé" itself describes a state of being confined, not the emotion of fear.

Fácil de confundir

apeuré vs apeuré

Similar sound and ending to other French adjectives.

"Apeuré" specifically means "scared" or "frightened." It derives from "peur" (fear). It needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'Le garçon est apeuré' (The boy is scared) but 'La fille est apeurée' (The girl is scared).

Le petit garçon était apeuré par le clown.

apeuré vs effrayé

Both mean "scared" or "frightened" and are common adjectives.

"Apeuré" often describes a state of being scared, perhaps a more lingering feeling. "Effrayé" can imply a more sudden fright or shock. Both are widely interchangeable in many contexts, but "effrayé" might be used more for a quick startle. For example, 'Il a été effrayé par un coup de feu' (He was frightened by a gunshot) and 'Il était apeuré après l'incident' (He was scared after the incident).

Le bruit soudain l'a effrayé, le rendant apeuré pendant un moment.

apeuré vs angoissé

Both describe negative emotional states.

"Apeuré" is about fear, often a reaction to a perceived danger or threat. "Angoissé" means "anxious" or "distressed," implying worry, unease, or a more pervasive sense of unease rather than a direct response to a frightening event. For example, 'Il est apeuré par le noir' (He is scared of the dark) but 'Il est angoissé par ses examens' (He is anxious about his exams).

Elle était apeurée par le film d'horreur, mais angoissée par son avenir professionnel.

apeuré vs terrifié

Both relate to fear.

"Apeuré" describes a moderate level of fear, while "terrifié" signifies extreme, overwhelming fear or terror. It's the difference between being scared and being terrified. For example, 'Le chien est apeuré par le bruit' (The dog is scared by the noise) versus 'Les victimes étaient terrifiées par l'agresseur' (The victims were terrified by the attacker).

Le petit animal était apeuré, mais le témoin était terrifié.

apeuré vs apeurant

Very similar spelling and related to fear.

"Apeuré" is an adjective describing someone *who is* scared (past participle used as an adjective). "Apeurant" is an adjective describing something *that causes* fear (present participle used as an adjective). For example, 'Le film est apeurant' (The movie is frightening) and 'Le spectateur est apeuré par le film' (The spectator is scared by the movie).

Le clown semblait apeurant, rendant les enfants apeurés.

Padrões de frases

A1

Subject + être + apeuré(e).

Le chat est apeuré.

A1

Subject + être + apeuré(e) + par + Noun.

Elle est apeurée par le bruit.

A2

Subject + se sentir + apeuré(e).

Il se sent apeuré.

A2

Noun + apeuré(e)(s).

Un enfant apeuré.

B1

Verb (past tense) + Subject + rendre + apeuré(e)(s).

Le film l'a rendu apeuré.

B1

Subject + paraître/sembler + apeuré(e)(s).

Elle paraissait apeurée.

B2

Adverb + Subject + être + apeuré(e)(s).

Il était visiblement apeuré.

B2

Noun phrase with apeuré(e)(s) + Verb.

La réaction apeurée des gens a surpris tout le monde.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

peur fear

Verbos

effrayer to frighten, to scare
apeurer to scare, to frighten (less common as a verb than effrayer)

Adjetivos

apeuré scared, frightened
effrayé frightened, scared
terrifié terrified
apeurant frightening, scary (describing something that causes fear)

Relacionado

peur fear (noun)
effrayant frightening (adjective)
effroi terror, dread (noun)
terreur terror (noun)
cauchemardesque nightmarish (adjective)
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Como usar

frequency

Common

Erros comuns
  • Forgetting gender/number agreement. → Le garçon est apeuré. La fille est apeurée.

    The adjective must match the noun. 'Apeuré' (masculine singular) becomes 'apeurée' (feminine singular), 'apeurés' (masculine plural), or 'apeurées' (feminine plural). This is a very common error for learners.

  • Using 'apeuré' for extreme terror. → Elle était terrifiée par l'accident.

    'Apeuré' signifies moderate fear. For intense fear, 'terrifié' (terrified) or 'épouvanté' (horrified) are more appropriate. Using 'apeuré' for extreme fear can understate the emotion.

  • Confusing 'apeuré' (scared) with 'affamé' (hungry). → Le chien est apeuré. Le chien est affamé.

    These words sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings. 'Apeuré' relates to fear, while 'affamé' relates to hunger. Always check the spelling and context.

  • Incorrect placement of the adjective. → Un enfant apeuré a couru.

    While descriptive adjectives like 'apeuré' usually follow the noun, placing it before can sometimes be done for emphasis or with certain common adjectives. However, the standard position is after the noun.

  • Confusing 'apeuré' (scared) with 'apeurant' (frightening). → Le film est apeurant. Le spectateur est apeuré.

    'Apeuré' describes the person experiencing fear. 'Apeurant' describes the thing causing the fear. They are related but distinct roles in a sentence.

Dicas

Master Agreement

Remember that 'apeuré' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental rule in French grammar. Pay close attention to adding '-e' for feminine singular and '-s' for plural.

Distinguish Intensity

While 'apeuré' means scared, understand its level of intensity. It's a common, moderate fear. For extreme fear, use 'terrifié.' For a sudden startle, 'effrayé' might be more precise.

Perfect the 'R' and 'É'

Practice the French guttural 'r' and the clear 'é' sound at the end of 'apeuré.' Correct pronunciation will make you sound more natural and help others understand you better.

Listen and Observe

Pay attention to how native French speakers use 'apeuré' in movies, podcasts, and conversations. Note the situations and the nuances of its usage.

Use It Actively

Try to use 'apeuré' in your own sentences, both in writing and speaking. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.

Trace the Roots

Remembering that 'apeuré' comes from 'peur' (fear) can solidify its meaning. The prefix 'a-' often indicates causation, so 'apeurer' means 'to cause fear.'

Explore Related Words

Learn synonyms like 'effrayé' and 'terrifié' to expand your vocabulary and express different degrees of fear. Understanding these subtle differences will enhance your descriptive abilities.

Create Associations

Use mnemonics or visual associations to remember the word. Linking 'apeuré' to an 'ape' that is scared can be a fun and effective way to recall its meaning.

Understand Verb Usage

Be aware of common sentence structures involving 'apeuré,' such as 'être apeuré,' 'se sentir apeuré,' and how it's used with verbs like 'rendre' (to make someone scared).

Recognize Its Role

Understand that expressing emotions like fear is a common part of human experience, and 'apeuré' is a standard and neutral way to convey this in French culture, appearing in various forms of media and everyday life.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine an "ape" (monkey) that is "scared" of its own reflection in a mirror. The "ape" is "apeuré"! You can also break it down: 'a' (to make) + 'peur' (fear) = to make fearful.

Associação visual

Picture a small, wide-eyed monkey (ape) looking terrified (apeuré) at something it sees. Or, imagine a person with their hands over their mouth in a scared expression, with the letters A-P-E-U-R-É forming around them.

Word Web

apeuré scared frightened peur (fear) effrayé terrifié animal child dark noise

Desafio

Try to describe three different situations where someone or something might be "apeuré." For example, a cat scared by a vacuum cleaner, a child scared by a loud thunderclap, or a person scared by a sudden shadow.

Origem da palavra

The word "apeuré" comes from the French verb "apeurer," which itself is derived from the noun "peur" (fear). The prefix "a-" often indicates a causative or intensive action. Thus, "apeurer" means to cause fear or to make someone fearful, and "apeuré" describes the state of having fear instilled in oneself.

Significado original: To make fearful, to cause fear.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French

Contexto cultural

The word "apeuré" is generally not considered offensive. It is a neutral term used to describe an emotion. However, like any word describing a negative state, it should be used appropriately within context.

In English, we have many words for fear: scared, frightened, afraid, terrified, alarmed, startled, etc. "Apeuré" broadly covers the middle ground, similar to "scared" or "frightened."

In classic French literature, characters often experience moments of being "apeurés" when facing adversity or the unknown. For instance, in tales of adventure or mystery, a character might become "apeuré" by strange occurrences. French cinema frequently uses "apeuré" to describe characters' reactions in suspenseful or horror films, contributing to the atmosphere and emotional impact. Children's stories in French often feature characters who are "apeurés" by common childhood fears like the dark, monsters, or loud noises, making the word relatable for young learners.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Describing reactions to sudden noises or events.

  • Le bruit l'a rendu apeuré.
  • Elle était apeurée par l'orage.
  • Il s'est senti apeuré soudainement.

Talking about children's or animals' fear.

  • Le bébé était apeuré.
  • Le chat est apeuré par l'aspirateur.
  • Les enfants sont apeurés dans le noir.

Expressing personal feelings of fear.

  • Je me sens apeuré.
  • Il était apeuré par le film.
  • Elle était un peu apeurée.

Describing scary places or situations.

  • La maison semblait apeurante.
  • Il était apeuré dans la forêt.
  • L'atmosphère le rendait apeuré.

Comparing levels of fear.

  • Pas trop apeuré, juste un peu.
  • Il était plus apeuré que terrifié.
  • Elle n'était pas apeurée du tout.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Have you ever felt really apeuré by something unexpected?"

"What kind of things make animals apeurés?"

"When was the last time you felt apeuré, and why?"

"Can you describe a time a movie or book made you feel apeuré?"

"What's the difference between being "apeuré" and "terrifié"?"

Temas para diário

Describe a situation where you or someone you know was apeuré. What happened, and how did you react?

Think about a place that makes you feel apeuré. What is it about that place that causes fear?

Write a short story about a character who is apeuré by something. Focus on their feelings and reactions.

Compare and contrast the feeling of being "apeuré" with being "inquiet" (worried) or "angoissé" (anxious).

Imagine you are trying to comfort someone who is apeuré. What would you say to them in French?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

'Apeuré' and 'effrayé' are very similar and often interchangeable, both meaning 'scared' or 'frightened.' However, 'effrayé' can sometimes imply a more sudden or startling fright, like being startled by a loud noise. 'Apeuré' can describe a more sustained state of fear or apprehension. For example, 'Le coup de tonnerre l'a effrayé' (The thunderclap startled him), and 'Il était apeuré toute la nuit' (He was scared all night).

'Apeuré' describes a moderate level of fear. Think of being scared by a jump scare in a movie or a sudden loud noise. 'Terrifié,' on the other hand, means 'terrified' and implies extreme, overwhelming fear, like facing a life-threatening situation. So, if you're just a bit shaken, you're 'apeuré'; if you're petrified, you're 'terrifié'.

Yes, like most French adjectives, 'apeuré' must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. For masculine singular, it's 'apeuré.' For feminine singular, it's 'apeurée.' For masculine plural, it's 'apeurés,' and for feminine plural, it's 'apeurées.' For example: 'Le garçon est apeuré,' 'La fille est apeurée,' 'Les garçons sont apeurés,' 'Les filles sont apeurées.'

While 'apeuré' most commonly describes people or animals experiencing fear, it can sometimes be used metaphorically for things or situations that evoke a sense of fear or dread. For example, 'une atmosphère apeurée' (a fearful atmosphere) or 'un silence apeuré' (a fearful silence). However, it's more common to use the related adjective 'apeurant' (frightening) for things, like 'un film apeurant' (a frightening movie).

The opposite of 'apeuré' (scared) would be words that describe a lack of fear or a feeling of bravery and calmness. Common antonyms include 'courageux' (brave), 'brave' (brave), 'confiant' (confident), and 'tranquille' (calm). For example, 'Il n'était pas apeuré, il était très courageux' (He wasn't scared, he was very brave).

The pronunciation is roughly /a.pe.ʁe/. The 'a' is open, the 'p' is standard, the 'e' in 'pe' is a closed 'e' sound, the 'r' is the French guttural 'r,' and the final 'é' is a closed 'e' sound. The stress is on the last syllable: apeu-RÉ.

Yes, 'apeuré' is a very common adjective in French. It's part of everyday vocabulary and you'll encounter it frequently in spoken and written French, especially at beginner and intermediate levels (A2-B1 CEFR).

No, 'apeuré' is primarily an adjective. The related noun is 'peur,' which means 'fear.' You would say 'Il a peur' (He has fear) or 'Il est apeuré' (He is scared).

The verb form is 'apeurer,' meaning 'to scare' or 'to frighten.' For example, 'Le bruit a apeuré le chien' (The noise scared the dog). However, the verb 'effrayer' is often more common than 'apeurer' in modern French.

A good mnemonic is to associate it with the English word 'ape' (monkey). Imagine an ape that is very scared – an 'ape-scared.' The sound is similar, and the image can help you remember the meaning 'scared' or 'frightened.'

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