Word: Fearful

Pronunciation

/ˈfɪrfl/

Definitions

• Adjective: Filled with fear; afraid or apprehensive. It can also mean inspiring fear or awe.

  • Example (afraid): She felt a fearful dread before her first public speech.
  • Example (inspiring fear): The sight of the towering thunderclouds was fearful indeed.

Phrases

• “Fearful of something”: Describes being afraid or having a strong aversion towards something. E.g., “He is fearful of heights.”
• “Fearful that”: Used when expressing concern or prediction of a negative outcome. E.g., “She is fearful that the storm will damage her house.”

Example Sentences

• Adjective (afraid): The children huddled together, looking fearful as the dark clouds gathered overhead.
• Adjective (inspiring fear): The old mansion on the hill had a fearful presence that kept most people away.

Synonyms

• Afraid
• Terrified
• Scared
• Horrified
• Apprehensive
• Timid
• Awe-struck
• Dreadful (in the sense of inspiring fear)