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Meaning of fretful
Having or showing feelings of anxiety or irritation
Etymology of fretful
The word "fretful" originated in the 15th century from the Old French word "fret", which is derived from the Old English word "fretan", meaning "to eat away" or "to gnaw", and the suffix "-ful", which forms adjectives indicating a fullness or abundance of a quality
Historically, the word "fretful" was used to describe someone who was constantly worried or annoyed, often to the point of being irritating to others
Synonyms
anxious
apprehensive
irritable
restless
uneasy
on edge
high-strung
tense
nervous
fidgety
querulous
peevish
testy
cranky
irascible
cantankerous
cross
touchy
sensitive
emotional
volatile
unstable
mercurial
capricious
moody
petulant
sulky
discontented
dissatisfied
disgruntled
disillusioned
disheartened
despondent
melancholy
gloomy
morose
sullen
sulky
glum
dismal
dreary
bleak
dismal
dejected
depressed
downcast
despondent
disconsolate
forlorn
hopeless
desperate
frantic
frenzied
hysterical
neurotic
psychotic
disturbed
troubled
perturbed
vexed
worried
concerned
upset
distraught
beside oneself
at wit's end
fed up
at the end of one's rope
on the verge of a nervous breakdown
Definitions
- Feeling or expressing anxiety or irritation, especially about something that is happening or might happen
- * Having a disposition to be anxious or irritable
Usage Examples
- The fretful child cried and whined throughout the entire flight
- * She was fretful about the upcoming exam and couldn't sleep the night before
- * The fretful atmosphere in the office was starting to get to everyone
Antonyms
calm
serene
peaceful
tranquil
composed
relaxed
easygoing
carefree
cheerful
optimistic
hopeful
enthusiastic
eager
excited
thrilled
delighted
pleased
satisfied
contented
happy
joyful
ecstatic
elated
euphoric
exuberant
buoyant
spry
lively
vivacious
energetic
vigorous
robust
resilient
stoic
patient
tolerant
understanding
empathetic
compassionate
gentle
kind
benevolent
generous
magnanimous
gracious
courteous
polite
considerate
thoughtful
reflective
pensive
contemplative
introspective
meditative
serene
placid
still
quiet
subdued
muted
restrained
reserved
demure
discreet
tactful