fretter
|fret-ter|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈfrɛtər/
🇬🇧
/ˈfrɛtə/
(fret)
worry or wear away
Etymology
Etymology Information
'fretter' originates from the Old English word 'fretan', where 'fre-' meant 'to devour' and '-tan' was a verb suffix.
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
Noun 1
a person who frets or worries excessively.
She was known as a fretter, always anxious about the smallest details.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45