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Fretful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fretful

[หˆfrษ›tfสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling anxious or worried

Feeling fretful can be a sign of underlying stress or anxiety. It is characterized by a constant state of unease or agitation.

Synonyms

anxious, nervous, worried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fretful

Used to describe someone who is irritable and restless, often showing signs of discomfort or frustration. It is commonly applied to babies or young children.

  • The baby was fretful and wouldn't stop crying.
  • She spent a fretful night worrying about the exam results.
anxious

Refers to an intense and often prolonged feeling of worry or unease about a future event or an uncertain outcome. It can be related to general anxiety or specific concerns.

  • He felt anxious before his job interview.
  • She was anxious about her upcoming surgery.
worried

Denotes a feeling of unease or concern about something that is happening or might happen. It can be used for general day-to-day concerns or specific issues.

  • He's worried about his mother's health.
  • She was worried that she might miss the flight.
nervous

Describes a state of feeling apprehensive or uneasy, often in response to a particular situation or event. It usually involves short-term worry or fear.

  • He was nervous about his first day of school.
  • She gets nervous when speaking in public.

Examples of usage

  • She was feeling fretful about the upcoming exam.
  • The fretful mother paced back and forth, waiting for news about her child.
Context #2 | Adjective

irritable or easily agitated

A fretful person tends to get easily irritated or agitated over minor issues. They may be quick to snap or react negatively.

Synonyms

agitated, cranky, irritable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fretful

This word is often used to describe someone who is anxious or worried about something, often in a way that is visible to others.

  • The baby became fretful during the long car ride.
  • She was fretful about her upcoming exams.
irritable

This word is often used for someone who is easily annoyed or angered, particularly when they are already in a stressed or uncomfortable state.

  • The heat made everyone irritable.
  • She becomes irritable when sheโ€™s under a lot of pressure.
agitated

This term is used when someone is visibly restless or nervous, often because they are upset or excited about something.

  • He was visibly agitated during the meeting.
  • The news about the accident left her agitated.
cranky

Usually describes someone who is easily annoyed or in a bad mood, often used informally or in a lighter, somewhat negative sense.

  • He's always cranky before his morning coffee.
  • The child became cranky after missing his nap.

Examples of usage

  • His fretful demeanor made it difficult to have a calm conversation with him.
  • The baby's crying left the parents feeling fretful and exhausted.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Fretfulness can be linked to stress responses; it often manifests when individuals feel threatened or unsettled.
  • Research shows that fretfulness can disrupt sleep patterns, as anxious thoughts keep people awake.
  • Children often exhibit fretful behavior during transitions, such as starting school, showing how the unfamiliar can provoke anxiety.

Literature

  • Fretful characters are often depicted in literature as those who struggle with internal conflicts, making them relatable.
  • Classic novels frequently involve fretful protagonists facing dilemmas, which add to their depth and evoke empathy.
  • The term has appeared in various works over centuries, often highlighting the human condition through emotional turmoil.

Pop Culture

  • Fretful characters often appear in animated films, portraying emotions through exaggerated anxious behaviors.
  • In sitcoms, fretful moments add humor, showing characters overreacting to small problems.
  • Musical songs frequently explore themes of fretfulness, using melodies to convey the weight of worry.

Health

  • Chronic fretfulness can lead to health issues, such as high blood pressure and digestive problems due to constant stress.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are proven methods to reduce feelings of fretfulness.
  • Healthcare professionals often encourage open communication to mitigate fretful feelings during patient visits.

Origin of 'fretful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'fretful' which means 'irritable' or 'full of worry'.
  • Its roots can be traced to the Old English 'fretan', which means 'to devour' or 'to consume', suggesting overwhelming feelings.
  • It was first used in the 14th century, indicating long-standing associations with anxiety.

The word 'fretful' originated from the Old English term 'fretan' which means 'to devour or consume.' Over time, it evolved to describe a feeling of unease or agitation. The usage of 'fretful' in English literature can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was used to depict a state of worry or irritation.

See also: fret.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,013, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.