fret
/fret/ (bre, ipa) · /fret/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfret/ (ame, mw)
fret — verb
- fretpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fretshe / she / it
- frettedpast simple
- fretting-ing form
1. to feel anxious or uneasy about a situation, often about something that may or m
to feel anxious or uneasy about a situation, often about something that may or may not happen — for example, fretting about a job interview, or over a child's health.
Amelia fretted over her exam results for days, unable to eat properly.
fret over + noun phrase
Bao fretted that he had said the wrong thing during the meeting.
fret + that-clause
There is no point fretting about the weather — we cannot change it.
Kenji's mother fretted every time he drove home late from work.
Don't fret so much; the project will be finished whether you worry or not.
文法句型
fret about/over something
fret that …
用法筆記
Frequently used in progressive form (is fretting, was fretting) to describe an ongoing state of worry. The object of worry is introduced by about, over, or a that-clause.
常見錯誤
2. to gradually damage, erode, or make marks on a surface through repeated rubbing,
to gradually damage, erode, or make marks on a surface through repeated rubbing, gnawing, or friction — for example, a rope fretting against a rock, or water fretting a riverbank.
The rope fretted against the sharp edge of the rock until it snapped.
fret against + surface
A small stream had fretted a groove into the limestone over hundreds of years.
transitive: fret + object + into + location
The horse's collar fretted the skin on its neck, leaving a raw patch.
Water fretting at the base of the cliff had carved out a small cave.
文法句型
fret + object + against/on something
something frets (away)
用法筆記
Often used in literary or descriptive writing about natural erosion. The object undergoing damage is usually solid (rock, wood, fabric, rope, skin).
常見錯誤
fret — noun
- fretsingular
- fretsplural
1. one of the small metal strips raised across the neck of a guitar or similar inst
one of the small metal strips raised across the neck of a guitar or similar instrument. Pressing the string against a fret changes the pitch of the note.
Asher pressed the strings firmly just behind the third fret to play the note.
behind + ordinal + fret
The old guitar had a worn fret board and needed new strings.
compound: fret board
Little markers on the fret board show the player where to put their fingers.
Yasmin learned to slide her fingers along the frets without looking at the neck.
用法筆記
Frets are numbered from the head of the guitar downwards: first fret is nearest the nut, twelfth fret is near the body. 'Fret board' (also 'fretboard') refers to the whole fingerboard surface.
2. a thick ocean fog that drifts onto the land, especially along some UK coastlines
a thick ocean fog that drifts onto the land, especially along some UK coastlines.
The fishing boats stayed in port because a thick fret had rolled in from the Channel.
Romi could barely see the harbour wall through the damp fret that morning.
regional British usage
Aarav could not see the village sign through the thick fret covering the valley.
Tamás knew a fret was coming when he smelled salt in the cold morning air.
用法筆記
Chiefly British and regional. Used particularly along eastern and southern coastal areas of England. Not common in American English.
3. a state of restless worry, irritation, or nervous agitation.
a state of restless worry, irritation, or nervous agitation.
Romi was in a fret all afternoon, waiting for the doctor to call with the test results.
in a fret
The old man paced the floor in a fret and fume until the letter finally arrived.
fret and fume (set phrase)
Elena could not hide her fret over the missing documents as the deadline came closer.
The whole family was in a fret until they heard the plane had landed safely.
- agitation
more general; can mean physical or mental disturbance
- anxiety
broader and more clinical; refers to a lasting condition rather than a passing state
- irritation
focuses on annoyance rather than worry
用法筆記
Often appears in the set phrase 'in a fret' (worried and anxious) or paired with 'fume' as 'fret and fume' (to show restless anger or worry). Less common than the verb form.