fret
word
/ˈfɹɛt/
/fɹˈɛt/
Definition
To worry or be anxious about something, often unnecessarily or over small problems.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly formal or literary; common in written English and polite conversation. Used with 'about' (“fret about something”). Not as strong as 'worry'; often for small or persistent concerns. Don't confuse with 'fret' (noun) on a guitar.
Spanish: preocuparse - inquietarsePortuguese (BR): preocupar-se - afligir-sePortuguese (PT): preocupar-se - inquietar-seChinese (Simplified): 烦恼 - 担心Chinese (Traditional): 煩惱 - 擔心Hindi: चिंता करनाArabic: يقلق - ينزعجBengali: চিন্তা করা - উৎকণ্ঠিত হওয়াRussian: беспокоиться - волноватьсяJapanese: 心配する - 気にするVietnamese: băn khoăn - lo lắngKorean: 걱정하다 - 안달하다Turkish: endişelenmek - kaygılanmakUrdu: فکر کرنا - پریشان ہوناIndonesian: cemas - khawatir
Example Sentences
Try not to fret over small mistakes.
basic
Don't fret about the test; you'll do fine.
basic
She always frets if her son is late.
basic
Honestly, there's no need to fret—everything's under control.
natural
Stop fretting about your hair—you look great!
natural
He tends to fret over things he can't change.
natural