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10 Synonyms and Antonyms for "Afraid"

10 Synonyms and Antonyms for "Afraid"

"Afraid" refers to experiencing fear, nervousness, or apprehension.

1. Scared
   • Context: Indicates a strong feeling of fear, often sudden.
   • Example Sentence: She was scared of the loud thunder.
   • IPA: /skɛərd/
   • Hindi Meaning: डरा हुआ (ḍarā huā)
   • Details: Informal, widely used for immediate fear.
2. Frightened
   • Context: Suggests being startled or filled with fear.
   • Example Sentence: The frightened child hid under the blanket.
   • IPA: /ˈfraɪtnd/
   • Hindi Meaning: भयभीत (bhaybhīt)
   • Details: Slightly more formal than "scared."
3. Terrified
   • Context: Describes intense, overwhelming fear.
   • Example Sentence: He was terrified of failing the final exam.
   • IPA: /ˈtɛrɪfaɪd/
   • Hindi Meaning: आतंकित (ātaṅkit)
   • Details: Stronger, implies panic or dread.
4. Anxious
   • Context: Can mean nervous or uneasy, though also eager in some cases.
   • Example Sentence: She felt anxious about meeting her new boss.
   • IPA: /ˈæŋkʃəs/
   • Hindi Meaning: चिंतित (chintit)
   • Details: Dual meaning—context determines fear vs. excitement.
5. Nervous
   • Context: Suggests mild fear or unease, often anticipatory.
   • Example Sentence: He was nervous before his big speech.
   • IPA: /ˈnɜːrvəs/
   • Hindi Meaning: घबराया हुआ (ghabrāyā huā)
   • Details: Common for performance or social situations.
6. Apprehensive
   • Context: Indicates mild fear or hesitation about something specific.
   • Example Sentence: They were apprehensive about the stormy weather.
   • IPA: /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
   • Hindi Meaning: आशंकित (āshaṅkit)
   • Details: More intellectual than visceral fear.
7. Fearful
   • Context: Suggests being full of fear or dread.
   • Example Sentence: She cast a fearful glance at the dark alley.
   • IPA: /ˈfɪrfl/
   • Hindi Meaning: भयभीत (bhaybhīt)
   • Details: Broad term, can be subtle or intense.
8. Timid
   • Context: Describes a shy or fearful disposition, often habitual.
   • Example Sentence: The timid puppy hesitated to approach strangers.
   • IPA: /ˈtɪmɪd/
   • Hindi Meaning: डरपोक (ḍarpok)
   • Details: Implies lack of courage, not just fear.
9. Panicked
   • Context: Indicates sudden, uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
   • Example Sentence: The crowd panicked when the fire alarm sounded.
   • IPA: /ˈpænɪkt/
   • Hindi Meaning: घबराया हुआ (ghabrāyā huā)
   • Details: Suggests chaos or loss of control.
10. Dreadful
    • Context: Used to describe feeling dread or extreme fear (less common as a standalone adjective for a person).
    • Example Sentence: He felt dreadful about the upcoming surgery.
    • IPA: /ˈdrɛdfl/
    • Hindi Meaning: भयानक (bhayānak)
    • Details: Often describes the situation causing fear, but can reflect the emotion.

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10 Antonyms for "Afraid"

Antonyms represent the opposite of "afraid," meaning brave, calm, or unafraid.

1. Brave
   • Context: Indicates courage or lack of fear.
   • Example Sentence: The brave soldier faced the enemy without hesitation.
   • IPA: /breɪv/
   • Hindi Meaning: नन्हा (nanhā)
   • Details: Suggests active resistance to fear.
2. Fearless
   • Context: Describes complete absence of fear.
   • Example Sentence: She was fearless in defending her beliefs.
   • IPA: /ˈfɪrlɪs/
   • Hindi Meaning: निडर (niḍar)
   • Details: Stronger than "brave," almost reckless.
3. Calm
   • Context: Suggests a peaceful state, free from anxiety.
   • Example Sentence: He remained calm despite the chaos around him.
   • IPA: /kɑːm/
   • Hindi Meaning: शांत (shānt)
   • Details: Focuses on emotional stability.
4. Confident
   • Context: Indicates self-assurance, lacking fear or doubt.
   • Example Sentence: She felt confident walking into the interview.
   • IPA: /ˈkɒnfɪdənt/
   • Hindi Meaning: आत्मविश्वासी (ātmavishvāsī)
   • Details: Tied to trust in oneself.
5. Bold
   • Context: Suggests daring or courage in action.
   • Example Sentence: His bold decision surprised everyone.
   • IPA: /boʊld/
   • Hindi Meaning: साहसी (sāhasī)
   • Details: Implies proactive bravery.
6. Courageous
   • Context: Describes bravery, especially in difficult situations.
   • Example Sentence: The courageous firefighter saved the family.
   • IPA: /kəˈreɪdʒəs/
   • Hindi Meaning: साहसी (sāhasī)
   • Details: Formal, heroic connotation.
7. Relaxed
   • Context: Indicates a state of ease, free from tension or fear.
   • Example Sentence: He was relaxed during the casual meeting.
   • IPA: /rɪˈlækst/
   • Hindi Meaning: आराम से (ārām se)
   • Details: Opposite of nervous energy.
8. Assured
   • Context: Suggests certainty and lack of fear or doubt.
   • Example Sentence: She spoke with an assured tone about her plans.
   • IPA: /əˈʃʊrd/
   • Hindi Meaning: आश्वस्त (āshvast)
   • Details: Confidence with calmness.
9. Unafraid
   • Context: Directly means not feeling fear.
   • Example Sentence: He stood unafraid before the roaring lion.
   • IPA: /ˌʌnəˈfreɪd/
   • Hindi Meaning: न डरने वाला (na ḍarne vālā)
   • Details: Straightforward antonym.
10. Valiant
    • Context: Indicates bravery or heroism, often in battle or challenge.
    • Example Sentence: The valiant knight fought the dragon.
    • IPA: /ˈvæliənt/
    • Hindi Meaning: वीर (vīr)
    • Details: Archaic, noble tone.