[predic.]feeling fear or anxiety; frightened 害怕的,焦虑的;惊骇的 I'm afraid of dogs. 我怕狗。 she tried to think about the future without feeling afraid. 她试图无畏地考虑将来。 ■worried that something undesirable will occur or be done 害怕的,担心的 she was afraid that he would be angry. 她怕他会生气。 she was afraid of antagonizing him. 她怕与他对抗。 ■[with infinitive]unwilling or reluctant to do something for fear of the consequences (害怕后果而)不愿意的,勉强的 I'm often afraid to go out on the streets. 我常常不愿意到街上去。 ■(afraid for)anxious about the well-being or safety of 担心安危,担心安全 William was suddenly afraid for her. 威廉突然为她的安全担起心来。
常用词组 I'm afraid
[with clause]used to express polite or formal apology or regret [用于礼貌或正式的道歉或表示遗憾]对不起,恐怕 I'm afraid I don't understand. 对不起我不明白。
语源
Middle English : past participle of the obsolete verb affray, from Anglo-Norman French afrayer (see affray)