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Fretful - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Fretful means being anxious, irritable, or easily upset, often over small matters. It describes someone who is restless or complaining, like a child who cannot settle down.

fretful

/ˈfrɛtfəl/ /ˈfrɛtf(ə)l/

Definition:

Feeling or expressing distress, irritation, or anxiety.

Synonyms:

anxious, agitated, irritable, uneasy

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

calm, relaxed

Common Collocations:

fretful child, fretful mood, fretful sleep

Derivatives:

fretfully, fretfulness

Usage Tips:

Use "fretful" to describe someone visibly upset or restless, often over minor issues.

Common Phrases:

fretful night, fretful temper, fretful whining

Etymology:

Derived from "fret" (to worry) + "-ful," originating from Old English "fretan" (to devour).

Examples:

  • 1. The baby was fretful all night and wouldn’t stop crying.
  • 2. She gave him a fretful glance when he arrived late again.
  • 3. His fretful behavior made everyone around him uneasy.
  • 4. The dog grew fretful during the thunderstorm and hid under the bed.

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