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Abil Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
"terrified of" and "terrified at"
(1) But the truth of the matter— the real not the royal truth— is that you're terrified
of the Terra Incognita outside that wall.
(2) I agree," said Wenceslas, terrified at the idea of the commission, but still more
terrified at the idea of losing his mistress.
What is the difference between "terrified of" and "terrified at" Can they be used interchangeably?
of the Terra Incognita outside that wall.
(2) I agree," said Wenceslas, terrified at the idea of the commission, but still more
terrified at the idea of losing his mistress.
What is the difference between "terrified of" and "terrified at" Can they be used interchangeably?
Top answer
I think I'd use "terrified at" only in relation to a future prospect that presented itself (as in your example), rather than a general condition. "Terrified of" could apply to either. I'm terrified of spiders -- OK I'm terrified at spiders -- unnatural (to me)
- I think I'd use "terrified at" only in relation to a future prospect that presented itself (as in your example), rather than a general condition.
- "Terrified of" could apply to either.
- I'm terrified of spiders -- OK I'm terrified at spiders -- unnatural (to me)
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6 Answers
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I think I'd use "terrified at" only in relation to a future prospect that presented itself (as in your example), rather than a general condition. "Terrified of" could apply to either.
I'm terrified of spiders -- OK
I'm terrified at spiders -- unnatural (to me)
I'm terrified of spiders -- OK
I'm terrified at spiders -- unnatural (to me)
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Thanks Mr Wordy and Optilang.
MW, your explanation seems to me to be logical.
MW, your explanation seems to me to be logical.
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terrified of - something concrete -- the actual thing that terrifies -- snakes, spiders, lightening, ...
terrified at - the thought, the idea, the potentiality, the possibility -- that some terrifying event will occur.
Mary is terrified of snakes.
Mary is terrified at the thought that a snake might bite her.
(i.e., Mary is terrified when she thinks that a snake
terrified at - the thought, the idea, the potentiality, the possibility -- that some terrifying event will occur.
Mary is terrified of snakes.
Mary is terrified at the thought that a snake might bite her.
(i.e., Mary is terrified when she thinks that a snake
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