Definition of Fear
Quick Meaning of Fear
The feeling you get when you are scared or worried about something bad.
Detailed Definition of Fear
A strong feeling of worry or being frightened because of danger.
How to Pronounce Fear
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'clear' and 'beer'. The vowel is like the 'ear' in 'near'.
Watch out: Learners may pronounce it as 'far' instead of 'fear'; the vowel must be long 'ee'.
Origin and Etymology of Fear
From Old English 'faer', meaning sudden calamity or fright.
How to Use Fear in a Sentence
Each example shows “fear” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She has a fear of heights.”
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“He felt fear when the dog barked loudly.”
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“There is a fear that the bridge might collapse.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Fear
Common Synonyms for Fear
Smart Synonyms for Fear — When to Use Each
- fright
- when describing a sudden or immediate scare
- anxiety
- when the worry is persistent rather than acute
Antonyms of Fear
Common Collocations with Fear
These phrases pair with “fear” in everyday English:
- fear of something
- fear for someone
- express fear
Common Mistakes When Using Fear
Even fluent speakers slip up with “fear”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I fear of spiders.
- ✓ Correct: I have a fear of spiders. OR I fear spiders.
- Why: Do not use 'fear of'; instead use 'have a fear of' or 'fear' + object directly.
- ✗ Wrong: We feared that the plan will fail.
- ✓ Correct: We feared that the plan would fail.
- Why: After 'feared' in past tense, use 'would' not 'will' in the dependent clause.
Other Forms of Fear
Frequently Asked Questions About Fear
What is the meaning of "Fear"?
The feeling you get when you are scared or worried about something bad.
How do you pronounce "Fear"?
The IPA is /fɪr/. Rhymes with 'clear' and 'beer'. The vowel is like the 'ear' in 'near'.
What part of speech is "Fear"?
"Fear" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Fear"?
Common synonyms include fright, terror, anxiety.
How do you use "Fear" in a sentence?
For example: "She has a fear of heights."