The spelling of the word "worried frown" is straightforward, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind. The first syllable is stressed and pronounced with the "w" sound followed by the short "o" sound, represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈwɜrɪd/. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, represented as /iː/. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the "n" sound, represented as /froun/. When put together, the pronunciation of "worried frown" is /ˈwɜrɪd iː froun/.
A worried frown is a facial expression characterized by the contraction of the muscles in the forehead and eyebrows, accompanied by a downward curvature of the corners of the mouth. This expression is a physical manifestation of concern, anxiety, or unease, typically caused by troubling thoughts, negative emotions, or a perceived threat.
When someone wears a worried frown, there is a noticeable crease between their eyebrows as a result of the tension in the forehead muscles. The eyebrows are often drawn together, creating vertical lines that further emphasize the individual's distress. Additionally, the mouth appears slightly downturned or tightened, reflecting the individual's inner turmoil.
This expression can vary in intensity, ranging from a subtle creasing of the forehead and a slight downturn of the mouth to a more pronounced and deeply furrowed brow accompanied by a more significant drooping of the mouth's corners. The worried frown is often associated with a thoughtful or pensive gaze, as the individual becomes lost in their concerns and might display signs of mental preoccupation.
The worried frown can convey a range of emotions such as worry, fear, anxiety, apprehension, or sadness. It is a non-verbal communication that signals to others that the person wearing this expression is experiencing emotional distress or is deeply absorbed in their thoughts about a particular matter.
The word "worried" comes from the Old English word "wyrgan", which means "to strangle" or "to choke". It later developed to signify "to grasp by the throat" or "to strangle the mind" with concern or anxiety. The word "frown" has a Middle English origin, derived from the Old French word "frognier", meaning "to wrinkle one's brow".
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "worried frown" combines the Old English root of "worried", connoting mental distress, with the Middle English root of "frown", describing the facial expression of knitting one's brows in displeasure or concern.