fretful

IPA/ˈfretfl/
KK[frˈɛtfəl]IPA/ˈfretfl/

fretful — adjective

  • fretfulpositive
  • more fretfulcomparative
  • most fretfulsuperlative

1. feeling or showing constant worry or nervous anxiety, often expressed through re

1.形容詞B2
釋義

feeling or showing constant worry or nervous anxiety, often expressed through restless movements or irritable reactions to small problems

例句

The baby grew fretful and refused to sleep until her mother picked her up.

grew fretful — pattern describing change into this state

Elena became fretful before her job interview, tapping her foot and checking her watch repeatedly.

become fretful before [stressful event]

同義詞
  • restless

    focuses on the inability to stay still or relax; less emphasis on irritation

  • irritable

    more about being easily annoyed than worried

  • anxious

    centres on the inner feeling of worry; fretful adds visible restless behaviour

  • fussy

    especially about babies and children; suggests being hard to please rather than worried

反義詞
  • calm

    not showing any worry or restlessness

  • content

    feeling satisfied and at ease

用法筆記

Frequently describes babies, children, or people in stressful situations. Can apply to both the person (a fretful child) and their actions or behaviour (fretful questions, a fretful night of sleep).

常見錯誤

❌She felt fretful about the exam and studied hard.
✅She felt anxious about the exam and studied hard.
💡fretful emphasises visible restless or irritable behaviour, not just internal worry.
❌He was fretful with his new job.
✅He was fretful about his new job.
💡fretful is typically followed by about or over, not with.