SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

afraid not

Definition of afraid not

—used as a polite way of making a negative statement when one wants to show regret at having to do so

"Can you come to our party?" "I'm afraid not."

Word by Word Definitions

afraid play

: filled with fear or apprehension
: filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation
: having a dislike for something

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Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

burke

play

to suppress quietly or indirectly

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Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

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A game of winding words.

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