Fretfully - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
In a worried or irritated manner, often showing agitation or anxiety.
Synonyms:
anxiously, nervously, irritably, restlessly
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
calmly, peacefully
Common Collocations:
fretfully pacing, fretfully biting nails, fretfully waiting
Derivatives:
fretful, fretfulness
Usage Tips:
Use "fretfully" to describe someone acting with visible unease or annoyance, often over minor issues.
Common Phrases:
fretfully wringing hands, fretfully glancing around
Etymology:
Derived from "fret," meaning to worry or be agitated, with the adverbial suffix "-fully."
Examples:
- 1. She tapped her foot fretfully during the long wait.
- 2. The child looked fretfully at the dark sky before the storm.
- 3. He sighed fretfully as the deadline approached without progress.
- 4. She twisted her hair fretfully while waiting for the test results.