The correct spelling of the phrase "are frightened" is [ɑr ˈfraɪtənd]. The first syllable "ar" is pronounced as the vowel sound in "car" and the second syllable "e" is pronounced as the vowel sound in "bet". The final syllable "-ed" is pronounced as [d] when the word is used in the past tense. This spelling represents the standard pronunciation of the phrase in English, and it is important to understand the IPA phonetic transcription to master English pronunciation.
"Are frightened" is a verb phrase used to describe the state of being afraid, anxious, or filled with fear. It indicates a feeling of alarm or apprehension due to a perceived threat, danger, or the unknown.
Fright, as a noun, refers to a sudden and intense feeling of fear or terror. When the verb "are" is combined with "frightened," it indicates that the subject of the sentence is currently experiencing this emotion. The use of the verb "are" suggests that the fear is ongoing or present at the moment.
Being frightened can manifest in various ways, such as trembling, increased heart rate, sweating, or a sense of overwhelming unease. This emotional state may be prompted by different factors, including an actual or potential danger, a phobia, an unsettling event, or a sudden surprise.
The expression "are frightened" can be used to describe both individuals and collective groups feeling fear. It is a fundamental human emotion and a natural response to situations that pose a threat to one's physical or emotional well-being. Fright can be fleeting or persistent, depending on the circumstances and individual coping mechanisms.
In summary, "are frightened" refers to the present state of being afraid or filled with fear at a given moment. It encapsulates the subjective experience of anxiety, alarm, or trepidation, which arises from various causes and influences human behavior and well-being.
The etymology of the word "are frightened" can be broken down as follows:
1. Verb "are": The word "are" is the second person plural present of the verb "be". Its roots can be traced back to Old English "earun", meaning "are". It has remained relatively stable throughout the centuries with slight changes in spelling and pronunciation.
2. Adjective "frightened": The word "frightened" is the past participle of the verb "frighten". The verb "frighten" is derived from the Middle English word "frightnen", which means "to cause fear in" or "to make afraid". The "en" suffix commonly used in Middle English to create a verb has gradually been dropped, leaving "frighten". The word itself stems from the Old English "fyrhto", which means "fear" or "dread".