English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
"Afraid" vs. "scared": what sets them apart?
Anwar Kareem 19/12/2024, 08:04
What is similar?
Both "afraid" and "scared" are adjectives that describe a feeling of fear or anxiety. They are often used interchangeably to express being fearful of something or someone. Both words convey an emotional response to perceived danger or threat.
What is different?
"Afraid" is generally considered more formal and is often used to express a general or ongoing state of fear. It is not typically used before a noun. "Scared" is slightly less formal and can imply a sudden or intense fear. It can be used before a noun (e.g., "a scared child") and is also the past participle of the verb "scare."
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Afraid- She is afraid of flying in airplanes.
- I'm afraid we don't have any available appointments today.
- They were afraid to venture into the dark forest.
- The sudden noise scared the children.
- He was scared after watching the horror movie.
- Don't be scared to ask questions during the presentation.
Recommended posts in 
Difference
Two sides of betrayal: exploring "turncoat" vs. "traitor"
A "turncoat" specifically connotes someone changing allegiances, typically in a ... Learn more →
"Incredible" vs. "wonderful": the subtleties of awe and delight
The word "incredible" often implies that something is so extraordinary ... Learn more →
Comparing the fabric of "garment" and "apparel"
"Garment" typically denotes an individual piece of clothing, while "apparel" ... Learn more →
"Decimation" vs. "annihilation": parsing the power in language
Decimation originally meant reducing by a tenth, but now it ... Learn more →