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Fretting: meaning, definitions and examples

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fretting

 

[ ˈfrɛtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

worrying excessively

Fretting involves a state of anxiety or worry about something that might happen. It is often considered unproductive, as it does not change the outcome of a situation. People may fret over their choices or events that are outside their control.

Synonyms

anxious, brooding, fretfulness, fussing, worrying

Examples of usage

  • She was fretting over the upcoming exam.
  • Don't fret about things you can't change.
  • He tends to fret when planning for big events.

Translations

Translations of the word "fretting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fretamento

🇮🇳 परेशान करना

🇩🇪 Zittern

🇮🇩 kerusuhan

🇺🇦 турбування

🇵🇱 martwienie

🇯🇵 不安

🇫🇷 angoisse

🇪🇸 inquietud

🇹🇷 endişelenme

🇰🇷 불안

🇸🇦 قلق

🇨🇿 neklid

🇸🇰 znepokojenie

🇨🇳 烦恼

🇸🇮 skrb

🇮🇸 áhyggjufullur

🇰🇿 алаңдаушылық

🇬🇪 აღელვება

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 inquietud

Etymology

The word 'fret' dates back to Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'fretan,' which means 'to devour' or 'to consume.' The term evolved over time, with the meaning shifting toward a more metaphorical sense of consuming oneself with worry. It has roots in Proto-Germanic, where similar words convey feelings of anxiety and distress. By the 14th century, 'fret' began to take on a broader sense of fretting or being troubled by thoughts and emotions, reflecting a mental state characterized by apprehension. In contemporary usage, 'fretting' embodies the idea of overthinking and worrying, often highlighting the futility of such behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,743, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.