What is the meaning of I am afraid?
used for politely telling someone something that might make them sad, disappointed, or angry, for example when you cannot do what they want or do not agree with them. Things haven’t been going very well here, I’m afraid.
Is it polite to say Im afraid?
If you want to apologize to someone or to disagree with them in a polite way, you can say I’m afraid.
What does I am afraid not mean?
—used as a polite way of making a negative statement when one wants to show regret at having to do so “Can you come to our party?” “I’m afraid not.”
What means the same as afraid?
The words apprehensive and fearful are common synonyms of afraid. While all three words mean “disturbed by fear,” afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance.
How do you say your afraid?
Idioms for being afraid, frightened
- Heebie-jeebies. These unusual words are used to express a feeling of fear and being uncomfortable.
- Make your blood run cold.
- Jumped out of my sskinkin!
- Heart missed a beat.
- Scared out of my wits.
- Scared the living daylights out of me!
- Shook like a leaf.
- Quaking in my boots.
What are the synonyms for Afraid?
synonyms for afraid
- anxious.
- apprehensive.
- frightened.
- nervous.
- scared.
- shocked.
- suspicious.
- timid.
Why do British say im scared?
A: When the adjective “afraid” showed up in the 1300s (as affred or afreyd in Middle English), it meant alarmed or frightened. But by the early 1600s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the expression “I am afraid” (or “I’m afraid”) was being used in the apologetic sense you’re asking about.
What is a good word for Afraid?
afraid
- affrighted,
- aghast,
- alarmed,
- fearful,
- frightened,
- horrified,
- horror-struck,
- hysterical.
What does I am afraid mean?
Used to politely introduce or soften a statement that may be unpleasant, upsetting, or disappointing. I’m afraid that your application has been rejected due to a failure to provide adequate documentation. I was hoping I’d be there in time to see the performance, but they canceled my flight because of the snow, I’m afraid.
Why am I always afraid?
The most common cause of feeling afraid all the time is apprehensive behavior (thinking and acting in an apprehensive manner, such as worry). Apprehensive behavior creates the physiological, psychological, and emotional state of being anxious (anxiety).
How to stop being scared?
Distract your mind with an uplifting TV show, movie, or book. An easy way to stop being scared is to distract yourself. Immediately turn on a different movie or TV show, and make sure its a lighthearted subject with a positive tone.
What does I’m afraid not mean?
(spoken) used as a polite way of telling somebody something that is unpleasant or disappointing, or something that you are sorry about: I’m afraid I can’t come to your party. ♢ ‘Have you got change for ten pounds?’ ‘I’m afraid not.’ ♢ I’ve got some bad news, I’m afraid. ♢ ‘Is this the best you can do?’ ‘I’m afraid so.’
