What is frightening? Pronunciation and usage in English

frightening means . Learn how to pronounce and use frightening through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of frightening

frighteningadjective

/ˈfrʌɪtnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of frightening

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "frightening" in English. It's a tricky one for a lot of learners! Here's a phonetic breakdown and some helpful tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

/ˈfrɪtənɪŋ/

Let's break this down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈfrɪ - This is the most challenging part. It sounds like "free" but with a slightly more emphasized "r" sound. Think of a quick, short "free" sound.
  • tən - Like the word "ten" – short and sharp.
  • ɪŋ - This is a simple "ing" sound, like in "singing."

2. Word-by-Word Guidance:

  • Fright: Imagine saying "free" quickly. That's the start.
  • -en: Pronounce “en” as in “pen”
  • -ing: Add the “ing” sound as in “singing”.

3. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • The "fr" sound: This isn’t a hard “fr” like in “friend.” It’s more of a quick, almost unstressed “free” sound. Don’t overemphasize the “r.”
  • Don’t say “fright-en-ing”: This is a very common mistake. It splits the word into three separate parts. It’s one continuous sound.
  • Stress: The primary stress falls on the first syllable ("frit-").

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:

  • Google Translate: Type "frightening" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/frightening/ - This site has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce frightening" - you'll find many audio and video examples.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Some accents influence pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word frightening in English

Let's break down how to use the word "frightening" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a couple of slightly different nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Describing Something)

This is the most common use. "Frightening" describes something that causes fear or alarm.

  • Basic Usage: "The thunderstorm was frightening." (It caused fear)
  • Examples:
    • "The dark forest was frightening to walk through alone."
    • "The news about the layoffs was frightening for many employees."
    • "The monster under the bed was frightening to a young child."
    • "The high-speed train was frightening to ride."

2. As a Verb (Describing an Action - Less Common)

"Frighten" (the base form) is the verb form. It means to cause someone to feel fear.

  • Basic Usage: "The loud noise frightened the cat."
  • Examples:
    • "The sudden drop in temperature frightened the plants."
    • "The story frightened the children."
    • "Don't frighten the horse!"

Here's a breakdown of how to use "frightening" with different levels of intensity:

  • Mildly Frightening: "The thought of spiders is slightly frightening." (Not a big deal, just a little uneasy)
  • Moderately Frightening: "The dark corridor was quite frightening." (Creates some worry, perhaps a bit of nervousness)
  • Very Frightening: "The accident was extremely frightening." (Causes a strong sense of fear and possibly panic)

Here are some example sentences demonstrating different contexts:

  • “The abandoned house was frightening to drive past at night.” (Describes a place)
  • “His sudden outburst was frightening; I didn't know what to expect.” (Describes an event/behavior)
  • "The possibility of losing his job felt frightening." (Describes a feeling/situation)

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Scary
  • Terrifying
  • Alarming
  • Disturbing
  • Menacing
  • Dreadful

Tips for Using "Frightening" Effectively:

  • Show, Don't Tell: Instead of just saying something is frightening, describe how it makes you feel or what it looks like that causes the fear. ("The flickering candlelight cast long, menacing shadows that were frightening.")
  • Consider the Context: The word's intensity can vary depending on the situation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "frightening" in? (e.g., a story, an email, a description)

Synonyms for the word frightening

Practice with vocabulary frightening

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A sustained period of high inflation can be a truly ________ prospect for consumers and businesses alike.
  2. Despite the unexpected challenges, the project team remained incredibly ________, adapting quickly to new requirements.
  3. The sudden, unexplained system malfunction was quite ________, triggering immediate security protocols.
  4. Her detailed report managed to ________ the complexities of the new tax regulations into easily digestible information.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) describe a situation that causes intense concern or fear? A) mundane B) alarming C) frightening D) reassuring

  2. When discussing the potential impacts of climate change, the scientific community often highlights ________ scenarios. A) optimistic B) daunting C) exhilarating D) frightening

  3. The CEO's announcement of a major restructuring created a somewhat ________ atmosphere in the company, though ultimately necessary for growth. A) exciting B) unsettling C) frightening D) tranquil

  4. To ensure the success of the merger, it is ________ that both companies integrate their operational systems seamlessly. A) optional B) imperative C) trivial D) unlikely

  5. The new software update significantly ________ our workflow by automating several manual processes. A) hindered B) complicated C) streamlined D) disrupted

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The possibility of a widespread cyberattack caused deep concern among national security experts.
  2. The company's innovative marketing strategy led to a significant increase in sales.
  3. His abrupt and unpredictable behavior during the negotiations made everyone feel extremely uneasy.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. A sustained period of high inflation can be a truly frightening prospect for consumers and businesses alike.
  2. Despite the unexpected challenges, the project team remained incredibly resilient, adapting quickly to new requirements.
  3. The sudden, unexplained system malfunction was quite frightening, triggering immediate security protocols.
  4. Her detailed report managed to clarify the complexities of the new tax regulations into easily digestible information.

Exercise 2:

  1. B) alarming, C) frightening
  2. B) daunting, D) frightening
  3. B) unsettling, C) frightening
  4. B) imperative
  5. C) streamlined

Exercise 3:

  1. The possibility of a widespread cyberattack was a frightening one for national security experts. (or: The possibility of a widespread cyberattack deeply frightened national security experts.)
  2. The company's innovative marketing strategy led to a substantial increase in sales.
  3. His abrupt and unpredictable behavior during the negotiations was extremely frightening for everyone involved.

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