frightening
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfraɪtənɪŋ/
KK: /ˈfraɪtənɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing fear or making someone feel scared.
Example
The frightening movie kept me on the edge of my seat.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more frightening
Superlative: most frightening
Conversation
Did you see that new horror movie last night?
I did, and honestly, it was pretty frightening!
I couldn't handle the jump scares at all!
Right? Those moments were just too frightening for me.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
scary
terrifying
alarming
Antonyms
calming
reassuring
comforting
verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel fear or anxiety.
Example
The loud thunder was frightening to the children.
Tense Forms
Past: frightened
Past Participle: frightened
Conversation
Did you see that horror movie last night?
Yeah, it was really frightening!
I couldn't believe how scary it was at some parts.
Root Explanation
Frightening → It is formed from "fright" (from Old English *fyrht*, meaning fear) and "-ening" (a suffix indicating the process of causing or becoming). The word "frightening" means causing fear or making someone feel afraid.
Memory Tip
Think of something that causes 'fear' ('fright') and the '-ening' shows it's the process of making that fear happen.
Visually Confused Words
brightening
sightening
lightening
fighting
lightning
flighting