Langimage
English

fretted

|fret/ted|

B2

/ˈfrɛtɪd/

(fret)

worry or wear away

Base FormPluralPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdjective
fretfrettersfretsfrettingfretsfrettedfrettedfrettingfretful
Etymology
Etymology Information

'fret' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fretan,' where 'fre-' meant 'to devour' and '-tan' meant 'to consume.'

Historical Evolution

'fretan' transformed into the Middle English word 'freten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'fret.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to devour or consume,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to worry or be anxious.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

past tense or past participle form of 'fret'.

She fretted over the details of the project.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

having a pattern of fretwork or ornamentation.

The fretted ceiling was a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/13 13:45