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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

frighten/scare

I walked into a dark room and out of nowhere a boy jumped out.

Me: You frightened/scared me.

What is the difference between frighten and scare in general? I believe they are interchangeable.

Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

The basic difference is register. scare is a more ordinary word; frighten is a "higher-class" word -- more formal. They mean the same thing.

— CalifJim

  • The basic difference is register.
  • scare is a more ordinary word; frighten is a "higher-class" word -- more formal.
  • They mean the same thing.
  • CJ
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4 Answers
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The basic difference is register. scare is a more ordinary word; frighten is a "higher-class" word -- more formal. They mean the same thing.

CJ
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I have another similar question. Do scared and afraid mean the same thing?

I'm scared/afraid of women.

I'm scared/afraid.
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They mean almost the same thing. afraid sounds better to my ear in this example. I think afraid is more psychological. I hardly ever use the word scared.

CJ
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