Word
fretted
Phoneticsfret·ted, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɹɛtɪd/
UK/fɹˈɛtɪd/
Definition
v. to worry about something for a long time, going over it again and again in your mind. You use this when someone cannot relax because of a problem.
v. to experience persistent anxiety or worry about something, often with visible restlessness.
Examples
“She fretted about the exam all night.”
“He fretted over his mother's test results while waiting for the doctor to call.”
“After sending the application, she fretted for weeks, replaying every interview answer and imagining how it could have gone better.”
Examples
simple
“She fretted about the exam all night.”
contextual
“He fretted over his mother's test results while waiting for the doctor to call.”
complex
“After sending the application, she fretted for weeks, replaying every interview answer and imagining how it could have gone better.”
Usage
Typically followed by 'about', 'over', or 'for' to name the cause of worry.
Real-World Examples
“But it also fretted about the possibility that Belgium might end up divided between French and Flemish speakers, a topic that’s seldom hotly debated when the British get the beers in.” “Photograph: Bienvenido Velasco/EPA Office workers in the upmarket business hub of downtown Panama City fretted about how to get home in the snarl of traffic.” “Phoning Irvin at 3am once shooting was under way, the actor fretted that he “hadn’t found Smiley” and recommended that the part be recast.” “The impact of the decision was felt across regional markets as investors fretted about a prolonged fall in demand from the world’s second biggest economy.” Etymology
From fret.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/fretted