Afraidly
/əˈfreɪdli/noun
In an afraid or fearful manner; an archaic or rare adverb.
Did you know?The word’s deeper history links fear with physical coldness, reflecting the ancient observation that terror can drain warmth from the body.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin / Vulgar Latin
Latin
exfrigidare
“To make cold or chill”
Middle French
Old French
esfreidier / esfreer
“To frighten; literally associated with making cold”
12th–13th Century
Anglo-French
afraier / affraier
“To frighten or terrify”
Middle English
English
afraied
“Frightened; the past participle that developed into afraid”
Middle English–Early Modern English
English
afraid
“In fear; frightened”
Modern English
English
afraidly
“Fearfully or in an afraid manner, now rare or archaic”
Explore more surprising origins