The correct spelling of the phrase "more affrighted" is /mɔr əˈfraɪtɪd/. The word "affrighted" is an archaic form of the word "frightened," and the prefix "more" simply indicates a greater degree of fear or fright. The spelling includes the silent "gh" found in many archaic English words. The word can be traced back to Middle English and is still used in some literary contexts, though modern usage tends to favor "frightened" or "scared."
"More affrighted" is a phrase used to describe a state of increased fear or terror. It refers to an individual or a group of individuals who are experiencing a heightened level of fright or alarm. The term "affrighted" itself is the past participle of the verb "affright," meaning to terrify or to cause extreme fear.
When someone is described as "more affrighted," it implies that their level of fear or alarm has intensified compared to a previous or anticipated level. This heightened state of fright can manifest in various ways, including increased heart rate, trembling, a sense of paralysis, rapid breathing, or an overwhelming feeling of danger.
The phrase may be used in different contexts, such as in literature, poetry, or everyday language, to convey a sense of deep-seated fear or panic. It suggests that the subject is incredibly scared or spooked, possibly due to a threatening or unsettling event.
For example, imagine a person who was mildly scared while watching a horror movie. However, as the plot unfolds and a terrifying scene occurs, they become "more affrighted," experiencing a greater level of fear and apprehension than before.
In summary, "more affrighted" denotes an amplified state of terror or fright, indicating an individual or group who are more profoundly afraid or alarmed than previously observed or expected.
The term "more affrighted" consists of two elements: "more" and "affrighted".
1. "More" comes from the Old English word "māra", which means "greater" or "to a greater extent". Over time, this word transformed into the Middle English form "more".
2. "Affrighted" is the past participle form of the verb "affright", which originated from the Middle English word "affrighten". This word is a combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "to") and "frighten", which ultimately comes from the Old English word "fyrhtan", meaning "to frighten".
Therefore, the etymology of "more affrighted" can be traced back to Old English and Middle English, combining the meaning of "greater" or "to a greater extent" with "frighten" or "to cause fear".