Key Difference: We usually get confused between the words “Scared” and “Afraid” because, both seems to have same meanings. Whereas, the meanings of these words may look similar, but there is difference in the grammar usage. These two words are referred to the fear, nervousness, and panic. In this post, we will see you the difference between scared and afraid with proper explanations and examples.
Scared: She looks scared.
Afraid: Diana is afraid of pet animals.
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Scared:
Refers to nervousness.
The term “Scared” can be used as an adjective or verb. It usually refers to fear or anxiety. We all experience that when we scared about something, we feel the nervousness. Let’s see an example to make it clear. He is scared to swim in the river. From this statement. we might understand that, someone has the fear of swimming in the river. Here, we come up with another example to make it simple for you. I was scared and screamed loudly. This sentence will show you someone said that, he or she is so scared and screamed.
How Do We Spell the Word Scared?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Scared is skɛːd. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Scared” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Scared” in sentences:
- You guys are scared of me.
- Tommy was scared enough.
- I was too scared to speak in front of a bunch of people.
- She is scared to go home alone.
- I am scared, why did you do that?
Afraid:
Refers to fear.
When someone has the feeling of fear, then we can use the word afraid. This word refers to frightened or terrified. If someone suddenly gets panic, then he/she is afraid of something. Let’s see an example to make it clear. He was afraid to play the match. From this statement, we might understand that, He is afraid to play. Here, we come up with the another example for your reference. They were too afraid to begin the work.
How Do We Spell the Word Afraid?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Afraid is əˈfreɪd. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Afraid” by syllables.
- The word “Afraid” has two syllables.
- It can be divided as “A-fraid.”
Using “Afraid” in sentences:
- The kids are afraid of the teacher.
- I am afraid of speaking with strangers.
- My sister said she was afraid of snakes.
- He was shocked and afraid because he is the only person who saw that.
- Some people are afraid of dogs.
Compare: Scared Vs Afraid
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Scared and Afraid.
| Scared | Afraid | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It indicates fear or anxiety. | It refers to someone who is filled with fear. |
| Synonyms | Nervous, fearful, frightened, horrified, Panic | Terrified, uneasy, scared, fearful |
| Antonyms | Confident, laid-back, calm | Unafraid, brave, confident |
| Parts of Speech | Adjective or verb | Adjective |
| Etymology | Middle English: from Old Norse skirra ‘frighten’, from skjarr ‘timid’. | Middle English: past participle of the obsolete verb affray, from Anglo-Norman French afrayer. |
| Examples | I am scared of you. The children are scared of animals. Why are you looking so scared? Are you scared? Nimmy said I am not scared of ghosts? | I am afraid that I am too busy this week. She is afraid of spiders. It makes me afraid. She is extremely afraid of going to school. He is deeply afraid of final examinations. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Scared, Afraid), Merriam-Webster (Scared, Afraid), Collins Dictionary (Scared, Afraid), Dictionary.com (Scared, Afraid)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].