What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
affright
Example
The loud noise affrighted the small child. [affright: verb]
Example
She was filled with affright at the thought of going into the haunted house. [affright: noun]
frighten
Example
The sudden clap of thunder frightened the dog. [frightened: verb]
Example
The horror movie was too frightening for the young children. [frightening: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frighten is much more commonly used than affright in modern English. Frighten is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while affright is considered outdated and is rarely used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between affright and frighten?
Affright is a more formal and literary word that is not commonly used in everyday language. Frighten, on the other hand, is more casual and can be used in various formality levels, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
