Definition

The state or quality of being afraid or feeling fear.

Example

Her fearfulness prevented her from trying new things.

Conversation

I noticed you seemed a bit anxious during the presentation today.

Yeah, I guess I struggle with fearfulness in front of large groups.

It's completely normal to feel that way, though.

True, but I really want to overcome this fearfulness for future projects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fearfulness → It is formed from "fear" (from Old English "fǣr", meaning a feeling of anxiety or dread) and "-fulness" (meaning the state of being full of). The word "fearfulness" means the state of being full of fear or anxiety.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'full of fear' — 'fear' represents the feeling of dread, and '-fulness' indicates a state of being. This helps you remember that fearfulness describes a state filled with fear.

Visually Confused Words