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what's difference between afraid and scared?

vitolee

vitolee

China

i am confusing with afraid and scared. how and when  to use the two words?

09:05 AM Oct 23 2006 |

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zars

zars

Mexico

They are synonyms and both can be used as such

10:16 PM Oct 24 2006 |

Jerry.ping

China

"afraid" always means people are worried about somthing that he can not make it,for example:I am afraid I can't go to the cinema with you this friday because…........

"scared"means really be frighted, when people are scared,they often tremble or with their eyes wide open,for example:When I saw the rotten dadbody ,I felt really  scared!

04:14 AM Oct 25 2006 |

vitolee

vitolee

China

i got it. thank you.

03:42 AM Oct 26 2006 |

Jerry.ping

China

It's my pleasure!

05:45 AM Oct 26 2006 |

tiffintime

tiffintime

Sri Lanka

Both words seem to have the same meaning, but ‘afraid’ sounds more formal than ‘scared’.


The authorities are afraid that the bridge might collapse due to the flooding.


I’m scared of ghosts!


A sentence like ‘I’m afraid I will not be able to come to the party tonight’ is used as a polite way of showing regret when you decline to do something. The use of the word ‘afraid’ in this manner is typical of British English only.


http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=485544





10:25 AM Aug 02 2012 |