English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Afraid Pronunciation
Afraid is pronounced uh-FRAYD, IPA /əˈfreɪd/.
uh-FRAYD
US /əˈfreɪd/ · UK /əˈfreɪd/
Syllables: uh · FRAYD (2 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective: Frightened, or sorry to have to say something.
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Afraid in a Sentence
- She is afraid of heights.
- I am afraid the shop has closed.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Common Mispronunciations of Afraid
Not AY-frayd
The opening a is a mumbled uh, the weakest sound in the word. A long ay there gives it two competing beats.
Not uh-FRED
The stressed vowel is the long ay of paid, not the short e of fed. The ai spelling is reliable here.
Tip: Say the word frayed and put a quiet uh in front of it.
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