fret
fret
Pronunciation
/fret/
/f/ - A voiceless labiodental fricative. This is the sound of "f" as in "fan".
/r/ - An alveolar trill or approximant. This is the sound of "r" as in "run".
/e/ - A close-mid front unrounded vowel. This is the vowel sound in "bed" or "met".
/t/ - A voiceless alveolar stop. This is the sound of "t" as in "top".
Word Form Variations
Noun:
fret (singular): A state of worry or anxiety. Example: He was in a fret about the upcoming exam.
frets (plural): Multiple instances of worry or anxiety. Example: She had many frets on her mind. (Less common usage)
fret (also singular): A thin strip of metal on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument. Example: The guitarist's fingers moved quickly across the frets.
frets (plural): Multiple frets on a stringed instrument. Example: The guitar had 24 frets.
Verb:
fret (base form): To be worried or anxious. Example: Don't fret about the small things.
frets (third-person singular present): He/She/It frets. Example: He frets about his health.
fretting (present participle): The act of worrying. Example: She spent the whole day fretting about the presentation.
fretted (past tense and past participle): Worried in the past. Example: She fretted all night. / She had fretted unnecessarily.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1 (Worry/Anxiety): A state of worry, anxiety, or nervous agitation. Often implies a feeling of unease about a specific issue or uncertain outcome.
Synonyms: worry, anxiety, concern, apprehension, agitation, nervousness, unease, disquiet
Antonyms: calm, peace, tranquility, serenity, composure, contentment
Definition 2 (Music): A thin strip of metal or other material fixed across the fingerboard of a stringed instrument at specific intervals. Frets divide the fingerboard into segments that represent specific musical notes.
Synonyms: (rarely does this usage have direct synonyms, but conceptually): division, segment, marker, bar
Antonyms: (also rare, but conceptually): unfretted (referring to a fretless fingerboard)
Verb:
Definition: To feel or express worry, anxiety, or annoyance about something. Often implies persistent or excessive worrying, sometimes about relatively minor matters.
Synonyms: worry, be anxious, be concerned, agonize, stew, brood, be agitated, be nervous
Antonyms: relax, be calm, be at ease, be unconcerned, be tranquil, find peace
Adjective:
(Less common): In a state of worry or anxiety. Can also describe something that causes worry.
Synonyms: worried, anxious, concerned, agitated, uneasy, apprehensive, stressed
Antonyms: calm, peaceful, serene, composed, relaxed, unworried
Examples of Use
Noun (Worry/Anxiety):
"Despite the looming deadline, she managed to keep her frets at bay and focus on the task at hand." (General public discourse)
"The news caused a collective fret among investors." (Newspaper article - hypothetical example)
"He was in a constant fret about his children's safety." (General public discourse)
Noun (Music):
"The guitarist's fingers danced across the frets, producing a beautiful melody." (Book - fictional example)
"The vintage guitar had some wear on the frets, but it still played beautifully." (Online forum for musicians)
"He carefully cleaned each fret of his prized acoustic guitar." (General public discourse)
Verb:
"Don't fret about the small details; focus on the bigger picture." (General public discourse/advice)
"She fretted all night about the upcoming presentation." (General public discourse)
"He frets constantly about his job security." (General public discourse)
"“I fret because I cannot write,” she said, “but I would be more fretful if I could, for then I should have to.” (Annie Dillard, An American Childhood) (Book)
"Experts fret over the rising cost of living." (News article - hypothetical example)
Adjective (Less common):
"He had a fretful expression on his face." (Book - fictional example)
"The fretful child clung to his mother's leg." (General public discourse)
10 Famous Quotes Using Fret
“Do not fret over what you cannot change; focus on what you can build.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said we fret most over things that matter least in the end.” (Unknown)
“History shows that nations fret when leaders refuse clarity.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that lovers often fret over shadows instead of light.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions begin when people no longer fret in silence.” (Unknown)
“Wisdom teaches us not to fret, but to prepare.” (Unknown)
“A leader cannot fret in the face of uncertainty; steadiness is their duty.” (Unknown)
“Hope grows when we refuse to fret about yesterday.” (Unknown)
“Success falters when we fret instead of act.” (Unknown)
“Joy returns when we stop trying to fret our way into control.” (Unknown)
Etymology
Fret (Worry):
This "fret" comes from Old English freotan, meaning "to devour, consume, gnaw, worry." Imagine something slowly eating away at you – that's the original image. Think of it like a metaphorical gnawing at your insides with worry. The first recorded use of "fret" in this sense (meaning to worry) dates back to around the year 1000. So, it's a pretty old word! It's related to other words like "fritter" (to break into small pieces) and even the now somewhat archaic "freak" (which originally meant something strange or monstrous, perhaps because it "gnawed" at people's sense of normalcy).
Fret (Musical Instrument Part):
This "fret" has a completely different origin. It comes from the Old French frete, meaning "iron band, clamp." These metal strips on a guitar neck act as "clamps" or markers for different notes. The first recorded use of "fret" in this musical context appeared a bit later, around the 14th century. It’s likely related to words like “fretwork” (ornamental work with interlaced designs, which sometimes resembles the pattern of frets).
So, although they're spelled the same, the two "frets" have completely separate roots. One comes from the idea of something consuming or worrying you, and the other from the idea of a metal band or marker.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fret
Using "Fret" (Worry):
Don't fret: This is a very common phrase, meaning "don't worry." It's more of a direct instruction than a colorful idiom.
Fret about (something): A common construction, but not an idiom. It simply means "to worry about something."
Fret oneself: This is less common but means to worry excessively.
To be in a fret: This phrase means to be in a state of worry or anxiety. It's less common than simply saying "to be worried."
Fret and stew: This phrase means to worry and be anxious about something. It emphasizes the prolonged and unproductive nature of the worry.
Original/Paraphrased Phrases (Worry):
"Fretting over spilled milk" (a variation on the common idiom about crying over spilled milk, but using "fret" directly).
"Fret not, little heart" (a more poetic, comforting phrase).
"Fret lines etched on his face" (a descriptive phrase suggesting worry has taken a physical toll).
Idioms with Synonyms (Worry):
Since "fret" doesn't have many idioms, looking at synonyms can be helpful:
Bite your nails: This idiom describes a nervous habit, often associated with worry.
Chew your fingernails: Similar to "bite your nails."
Sweat bullets: To be very nervous or anxious.
On pins and needles: In a state of anxious anticipation.
Worked up into a lather: Very agitated or worried.
Worrywart: A person who worries excessively.
"Don't lose any sleep over it" (a common idiom offering reassurance against worry.)
Musical "Fret":
There are virtually no common idioms using "fret" in its musical sense. Phrases like "playing the frets" or "bending a note on the frets" are simply descriptive of the action.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fret from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
