afraid

adjective (SORRY)

/əˈfreɪd/

Definition

I'm afraid... A2 used to politely introduce bad news or disagreement: This is your room - it's rather small, I'm afraid. I don't agree at all, I'm afraid. I'm afraid you've completely misunderstood the question. [+ (that)] I'm afraid (that) we can't come this evening after all. "Was she impressed with our work?" "I'm afraid not (= no)." "Does this mean I've got to leave?" "I'm afraid so." (= Yes.)Making and accepting apologies

(Definition of afraid adjective (SORRY) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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