fear; worry; probably; I'm afraid
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to fear; to be afraid of; to worry
Indicates fear or worry about a potential negative outcome. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
He was afraid of making the situation awkward, so he made a concession.
I'm afraid I can't come because I'm sick.
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Mom was worried I would catch a cold, so she asked me to put on another piece of clothing.
adverb
I'm afraid; probably (expressing estimation with concern/worry)
Used when the speaker estimates something to be true but also feels worried or concerned about the negative implications. Often softens bad news.
I'm afraid he won't agree to this plan.
If we do it this way, the effect probably won't be good.
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I'm afraid it's going to rain; did you bring an umbrella?
adverb
probably; approximately; I think (expressing pure estimation)
Used to estimate quantity, time, or degree without necessarily implying worry. Softer and more tentative than 大概.
He's been gone for probably twenty days.
There are probably over a thousand people here.
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I'm afraid completing this work will probably take a month.