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Frighteningly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frighteningly

[หˆfraษชt(ษ™)nษชล‹li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something that causes fear or alarm

In a way that is very alarming or terrifying. In a manner that instills fear or dread. In a manner that causes extreme anxiety or apprehension.

Synonyms

alarmingly, scarily, terrifyingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frighteningly

Use when something causes fear in a general or broad sense.

  • The storm grew frighteningly large as it approached the coast.
  • Insects swarmed around the campfire, and the night became frighteningly dark.
terrifyingly

Implies a very strong or intense level of fear, often used in extreme situations.

  • The roller coaster ride was terrifyingly fast.
  • She looked down from the cliff edge and saw how terrifyingly deep the drop was.
alarmingly

Best used when something causes concern or worry, often about potential danger or risk.

  • He was driving at an alarmingly high speed through the residential area.
  • The number of COVID-19 cases has been rising alarmingly.
scarily

More informal, often used to describe something spooky or causing a slight shiver of fear.

  • The old house looked scarily abandoned.
  • He scarily resembled the character from the horror movie.

Examples of usage

  • The horror movie was frighteningly realistic.
  • The roller coaster dropped frighteningly fast.
  • The news of the impending storm spread frighteningly quickly.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In horror films, scenes are often designed to be 'frighteningly' intense, using music and quick cuts to build suspense.
  • Notable authors like Stephen King have mastered the art of writing frighteningly engaging stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
  • The term is often used in reviews to describe movies or books that effectively evoke fear and tension.

Psychology

  • Fear responses can be triggered by frighteningly realistic situations, which often tap into our primal instincts.
  • Studies show that fright can lead to the release of adrenaline, which prepares our body for a 'fight or flight' response.
  • Interesting enough, some people enjoy frighteningly scary experiences, as they can provide a sense of thrill and accomplishment after overcoming fear.

Literature

  • Classic literature often employs 'frighteningly' vivid descriptions to immerse readers in terrifying scenarios, enhancing emotional impact.
  • Poets might use frighteningly evocative imagery to convey despair or dark themes, engaging readers on a deeper emotional level.
  • 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is an example of a novel that is both frightening and thought-provoking, exploring the fear of the unknown.

Cinematic Techniques

  • Film directors use specific lighting and sound techniques to make scenes feel frighteningly suspenseful, manipulating viewer emotions.
  • Jump scares are a common element in horror films designed to catch viewers off guard and provoke frightening reactions.
  • The positioning of the camera can heighten a scene's tension, making the audience feel more frightened as they anticipate what will happen next.

Origin of 'frighteningly'

Main points about word origin

  • The base word 'frighten' comes from the Old English 'fyrhto,' meaning to cause fear.
  • Adding '-ly' to words is a common way to change them into adverbs, showing how something is done, in this case, how fear is given.
  • The word 'frightening' emerged in the 19th century to describe something that elicits fear.

The adverb 'frighteningly' is derived from the verb 'frighten', which has roots in Old English and Middle English. The suffix '-ingly' is added to create the adverb form. The word has been used in English language for centuries to describe actions or events that cause fear or alarm.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,495 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.