What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fearful
Example
The fearful child clung to her mother's leg. [fearful: adjective]
Example
I'm fearful of heights, so I avoid tall buildings. [fearful: adjective]
Example
The news of the impending storm made me feel fearful. [fearful: adjective]
afraid
Example
I'm afraid of the dark. [afraid: adjective]
Example
The little girl was afraid of the barking dog. [afraid: adjective]
Example
He was afraid to speak in public. [afraid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Afraid is more commonly used than fearful in everyday language. Afraid is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and levels of formality, while fearful is less common and has a more formal connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fearful and afraid?
Fearful is more formal than afraid. It is often used in more serious or professional contexts, while afraid can be used in both formal and informal situations.
