adj
afraid
uh-FRAYD
adj
1
Feeling fear; frightened.
"She was afraid of the dark as a child."
"He's afraid of spiders."
2
Used to soften bad news or a polite refusal; sorry to say.
"I'm afraid we're fully booked tonight."
"I'm afraid that's not possible."
3
Worried about someone or something; concerned for their safety or outcome.
"She was afraid for her son's safety on the trip."
"He was afraid for his job after the merger."
How to Use Afraid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFrightened, or (in polite speech) sorry to have to say something.
Common mistake
"I'm afraid so/not" is a stock polite phrase for delivering unwelcome news, not literal fear.
Common pairings
afraid of the dark
I'm afraid so
afraid to admit
afraid for someone
Word Forms
more afraid comparative, most afraid superlative
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Etymology
From Middle English affrayed, the past participle of a verb meaning "to disturb the peace," ultimately from Old French — the same root that gives us "affray."