What's the difference between “to frighten” and “to scare”?
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What's the difference between "to frighten" and "to scare"? I've heard both, but have never been able to figure out the difference.
meaning word-choice verbs differences
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
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asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
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What's the difference between "to frighten" and "to scare"? I've heard both, but have never been able to figure out the difference.
meaning word-choice verbs differences
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
What's the difference between "to frighten" and "to scare"? I've heard both, but have never been able to figure out the difference.
meaning word-choice verbs differences
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
What's the difference between "to frighten" and "to scare"? I've heard both, but have never been able to figure out the difference.
meaning word-choice verbs differences
meaning word-choice verbs differences
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
edited Feb 18 at 23:10
sumelic
44.5k7105206
44.5k7105206
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
asked Nov 28 '10 at 4:42
brilliant
4,1933993158
4,1933993158
add a comment |
add a comment |
5 Answers
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active
oldest
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up vote
5
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accepted
I would suggest that 'frighten' is more intense than 'scare'. Although they are (very) similar, being scared is less serious than being frightened. That is definitely a second-order effect though; to a first approximation, they are (almost) equivalent.
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
1
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
1
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
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2
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The two words are synonyms and may be used interchangeably. Scare comes the Old Norse word skirra meaning "frighten."
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
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I would use frighten when I mean something with the hint of a surprise. Scare would mean something more gradual, as in "to scare with fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD)"
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
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2
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When I use frightened I use it like it has a bit of tense and suspicion in it.
Scared just feels like it’s horrible and creepy.
Also frightening is more severe than scared.
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
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up vote
0
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First of all, I agree with Jonathan Leffler — "frightening" is more intense than "scary," but many do not really make that distinction and use them quite interchangeably. Unlike using "can" when "may" should be used, most people will not correct another if they use "scary" when it is felt that "frightening" is a better choice of word. The difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not as well defined as "can" and "may." Furthermore, the difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not taught in school.
Even if you want to help a person out by suggesting a more accurate descriptor, it isn't likely to go over too well. For example, if you were to meet someone who had survived the Paradise wildfire and they described it as "scary" and you corrected them by saying, "Do you mean frightened?" you're going to come across as a real jerk.
Perhaps the best way to understand the difference between two words is to put them into context. I'll start with this:
Hearing ghosts rattle their chains in a Halloween haunted house is scary; hearing someone yell, "Heil Hitler, Heil Trump" in a theater is frightening.
I'll add to it if I think of others.
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
add a comment |
protected by MetaEd♦ Aug 27 at 23:29
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
I would suggest that 'frighten' is more intense than 'scare'. Although they are (very) similar, being scared is less serious than being frightened. That is definitely a second-order effect though; to a first approximation, they are (almost) equivalent.
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
1
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
1
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
I would suggest that 'frighten' is more intense than 'scare'. Although they are (very) similar, being scared is less serious than being frightened. That is definitely a second-order effect though; to a first approximation, they are (almost) equivalent.
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
1
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
1
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
up vote
5
down vote
accepted
I would suggest that 'frighten' is more intense than 'scare'. Although they are (very) similar, being scared is less serious than being frightened. That is definitely a second-order effect though; to a first approximation, they are (almost) equivalent.
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
I would suggest that 'frighten' is more intense than 'scare'. Although they are (very) similar, being scared is less serious than being frightened. That is definitely a second-order effect though; to a first approximation, they are (almost) equivalent.
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:21
Jonathan Leffler
6,22712135
6,22712135
1
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
1
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
add a comment |
1
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
1
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
1
1
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
Thank You, Jonathan. It was my suspicion, too, but I didn't dare to put it forth here.
– brilliant
Nov 28 '10 at 5:52
1
1
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
I agree but it's the speech part that differs. Colloquially, one says scared, but often in writing, one reads frightened. I generally would not actually say frightened but would use it in certain written contexts. Also, in certain spoken contexts, I would only use scared of: to be scared of flying, to be scared of making a fool of oneself. But: to be frightened of one's own shadow [idiom]
– Lambie
Aug 27 at 13:49
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
The two words are synonyms and may be used interchangeably. Scare comes the Old Norse word skirra meaning "frighten."
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
The two words are synonyms and may be used interchangeably. Scare comes the Old Norse word skirra meaning "frighten."
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
The two words are synonyms and may be used interchangeably. Scare comes the Old Norse word skirra meaning "frighten."
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
The two words are synonyms and may be used interchangeably. Scare comes the Old Norse word skirra meaning "frighten."
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
answered Nov 28 '10 at 4:51
Robusto
127k27302512
127k27302512
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
add a comment |
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
See "this," for more on "scary" and "this" for more on "frightening."
– Lisa Beck
1 hour ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
I would use frighten when I mean something with the hint of a surprise. Scare would mean something more gradual, as in "to scare with fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD)"
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
I would use frighten when I mean something with the hint of a surprise. Scare would mean something more gradual, as in "to scare with fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD)"
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
I would use frighten when I mean something with the hint of a surprise. Scare would mean something more gradual, as in "to scare with fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD)"
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
I would use frighten when I mean something with the hint of a surprise. Scare would mean something more gradual, as in "to scare with fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD)"
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
answered Nov 28 '10 at 5:39
Kit
6283815
6283815
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
When I use frightened I use it like it has a bit of tense and suspicion in it.
Scared just feels like it’s horrible and creepy.
Also frightening is more severe than scared.
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
When I use frightened I use it like it has a bit of tense and suspicion in it.
Scared just feels like it’s horrible and creepy.
Also frightening is more severe than scared.
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
When I use frightened I use it like it has a bit of tense and suspicion in it.
Scared just feels like it’s horrible and creepy.
Also frightening is more severe than scared.
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
When I use frightened I use it like it has a bit of tense and suspicion in it.
Scared just feels like it’s horrible and creepy.
Also frightening is more severe than scared.
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
answered Aug 27 at 13:38
Ycbao
211
211
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
First of all, I agree with Jonathan Leffler — "frightening" is more intense than "scary," but many do not really make that distinction and use them quite interchangeably. Unlike using "can" when "may" should be used, most people will not correct another if they use "scary" when it is felt that "frightening" is a better choice of word. The difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not as well defined as "can" and "may." Furthermore, the difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not taught in school.
Even if you want to help a person out by suggesting a more accurate descriptor, it isn't likely to go over too well. For example, if you were to meet someone who had survived the Paradise wildfire and they described it as "scary" and you corrected them by saying, "Do you mean frightened?" you're going to come across as a real jerk.
Perhaps the best way to understand the difference between two words is to put them into context. I'll start with this:
Hearing ghosts rattle their chains in a Halloween haunted house is scary; hearing someone yell, "Heil Hitler, Heil Trump" in a theater is frightening.
I'll add to it if I think of others.
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
First of all, I agree with Jonathan Leffler — "frightening" is more intense than "scary," but many do not really make that distinction and use them quite interchangeably. Unlike using "can" when "may" should be used, most people will not correct another if they use "scary" when it is felt that "frightening" is a better choice of word. The difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not as well defined as "can" and "may." Furthermore, the difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not taught in school.
Even if you want to help a person out by suggesting a more accurate descriptor, it isn't likely to go over too well. For example, if you were to meet someone who had survived the Paradise wildfire and they described it as "scary" and you corrected them by saying, "Do you mean frightened?" you're going to come across as a real jerk.
Perhaps the best way to understand the difference between two words is to put them into context. I'll start with this:
Hearing ghosts rattle their chains in a Halloween haunted house is scary; hearing someone yell, "Heil Hitler, Heil Trump" in a theater is frightening.
I'll add to it if I think of others.
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
First of all, I agree with Jonathan Leffler — "frightening" is more intense than "scary," but many do not really make that distinction and use them quite interchangeably. Unlike using "can" when "may" should be used, most people will not correct another if they use "scary" when it is felt that "frightening" is a better choice of word. The difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not as well defined as "can" and "may." Furthermore, the difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not taught in school.
Even if you want to help a person out by suggesting a more accurate descriptor, it isn't likely to go over too well. For example, if you were to meet someone who had survived the Paradise wildfire and they described it as "scary" and you corrected them by saying, "Do you mean frightened?" you're going to come across as a real jerk.
Perhaps the best way to understand the difference between two words is to put them into context. I'll start with this:
Hearing ghosts rattle their chains in a Halloween haunted house is scary; hearing someone yell, "Heil Hitler, Heil Trump" in a theater is frightening.
I'll add to it if I think of others.
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
First of all, I agree with Jonathan Leffler — "frightening" is more intense than "scary," but many do not really make that distinction and use them quite interchangeably. Unlike using "can" when "may" should be used, most people will not correct another if they use "scary" when it is felt that "frightening" is a better choice of word. The difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not as well defined as "can" and "may." Furthermore, the difference between "scary" and "frightening" is not taught in school.
Even if you want to help a person out by suggesting a more accurate descriptor, it isn't likely to go over too well. For example, if you were to meet someone who had survived the Paradise wildfire and they described it as "scary" and you corrected them by saying, "Do you mean frightened?" you're going to come across as a real jerk.
Perhaps the best way to understand the difference between two words is to put them into context. I'll start with this:
Hearing ghosts rattle their chains in a Halloween haunted house is scary; hearing someone yell, "Heil Hitler, Heil Trump" in a theater is frightening.
I'll add to it if I think of others.
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
answered 21 mins ago
Lisa Beck
250111
250111
add a comment |
add a comment |
protected by MetaEd♦ Aug 27 at 23:29
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
