fearfulness
|fear/ful/ness|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈfɪrfəlnəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɪəfʊlnəs/
(fearful)
full of fear
Etymology
Etymology Information
'fearfulness' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fǣr,' where 'fǣr' meant 'sudden danger or peril.'
Historical Evolution
'fǣr' transformed into the Middle English word 'fer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'fear' with the suffix '-fulness' added to form 'fearfulness.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'sudden danger,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the state of being afraid.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being afraid or anxious.
Her fearfulness was evident when she refused to enter the dark room.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/28 00:52