While both "frighten" and "scare" mean to make someone feel fear, there are subtle differences in their usage and intensity. "Frighten" generally implies a more intense and lasting fear, often involving a significant event or situation. "Scare," on the other hand, suggests a milder, more temporary fear, sometimes even a playful one. Think of "frighten" as the stronger verb.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Frighten:

  • "The loud thunder frightened the little girl." (The thunder caused a significant and potentially lasting fear in the girl.)
  • "The scary movie frightened me to the point that I couldn't sleep." (The movie caused a strong and prolonged fear response.)

• Scare:

  • "The sudden noise scared me." (The noise caused a momentary jump or surprise, but not necessarily lasting fear.)
  • "My brother tried to scare me with a mask, but I wasn't scared at all." (This describes a playful attempt to frighten, where the fear is not serious or intense.)

Notice how "frighten" is associated with more impactful events or situations, causing a deeper level of fear, whereas "scare" can describe more minor incidents or playful attempts to induce fear. The context is key to understanding the best word to use. Sometimes you may use them interchangeably, but being mindful of these subtle distinctions will improve your English.

Happy learning!