About "afraid"
How to Split "afraid" into Syllables
The word afraid is divided into 2 syllables: a·fraid. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- a — 1st syllable
- fraid — 2nd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of afraid:
- IPA: /əˈfɹeɪd/
Listen to Pronunciation
Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled
📖 Definitions
- afraid (comparative more afraid, superlative most afraid) (predicative)
- Impressed with fear or apprehension; in fear.
📚 Word Origin & History
From Middle English affrayed, affraied, past participle of afraien (“to affray”), from Anglo-Norman afrayer (“to terrify, disquiet, disturb”), from Old French effreer, esfreer (“to disturb, remove the peace from”), from es- (“out”) + freer (“to secure, secure the peace”), from Frankish *friþu (“security, peace”), from Proto-Germanic *friþuz (“peace”), from Proto-Germanic *frijōną (“to free; to love”), from Proto-Indo-European *prāy-, *prēy- (“to like, l...
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down afraid into syllables helps with:
- Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
- Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
- Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
- Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
- Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness
📊 Similar Words Comparison
Compare afraid with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| afraid | 2 | a·fraid |
| abroad | 2 | a-broad |
| Aphrodite | 3 | aphro-di-te |
| aboveboard | 4 | a-bo-ve-board |
| avert | 2 | a-vert |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to afraid:
Afr, Afro, afresh, Africa, African, Afrikaans, Afrikaner, Afrocentric.