dread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of great fear or apprehension about something that is going to happen. Example: "I felt a sense of dread as I approached the haunted house, unsure of what awaited me inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But instead of feeling vindication, or at least relief for having told their stories, some of these women are now filled with dread, because Kevin Donovan – the Toronto Star investigative reporter with whom I reported the allegations against Ghomeshi – is writing a "tell-tale, behind the scenes" book about Ghomeshi's "secret life".

The Guardian - Opinion

The dread behind his secret revelation – so feared, it drove him to kill – was that its discovery would make him hated, marked, a social pariah.

The Guardian

Related: Civil service morale: 'You dread going into work in the mornings' She is also quick to point out the business case for equality and fairness.

The Guardian

We dread the jihadi radicalism that seeps from the Middle East into Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet there it is, the sad carpet of an unrenovated Centrelink, the banks of check-in counters that inspire a special feeling of dread (what if I am not checked in 45 minutes beforehand? What if my luggage is 50 grams overweight?

The Guardian - Travel

In the streets and pubs and dusty camps of Alice Springs there were whispers and dread and fury; some heard rumours of white men fleeing the scene; others warned of riot and revenge.

The Guardian

We all dread those conversations with angry parents.

The Guardian

There's no creeping sense of violent dread that Dot Allison's incredible voice cannot soothe.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The highlight is a night of bass dread from Andy Stott, Untold and Inga Copeland (Village Underground, EC2, Fri), but there's an embarrassment of riches: Andrew Weatherall and Mental Overdrive explore the power of reverb (16 Mar); Matthew Bourne revisits Kraftwerk's Radio-Activity (20 Mar), and Batida lead a night exploring how tropical styles are increasingly deploying banging software (19 Mar).

The Guardian - Music

A significant component of Men's Health's rise was surely their realisation that so many men secretly share my dread of the expanding stomach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I dread to think what we've spent on the garden in the last 20 years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dread" as a verb, ensure the subject is capable of experiencing or anticipating fear.

Common error

Avoid using "dread" in overly casual conversation, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for words like "dislike" or "not looking forward to" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

"Dread" functions primarily as a noun, verb, or adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly expresses a strong feeling of fear or apprehension, especially about a future event. The provided examples from Ludwig illustrate its versatile usage in various contexts, signifying the depth of unease or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dread" is a versatile word that functions as a noun, verb, and adjective, primarily used to convey a significant level of fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. With a very common frequency, as illustrated by the numerous examples found in Ludwig, it is often employed in news and media, but may come across as overly dramatic in informal speech. When selecting a substitute, consider options such as "fear", "apprehension", or "foreboding" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fear

A basic emotion caused by the perception of danger.

apprehension

Focuses on anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

foreboding

Implies a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

terror

Suggests extreme fear or intense dread.

trepidation

Highlights a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

alarm

Highlights a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety.

anxiety

Emphasizes worry and unease about potential problems or events.

unease

Indicates a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

concern

Suggests worry or anxiety about something important.

misgiving

Implies a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome of something.

FAQs

How can I use "dread" in a sentence?

"Dread" can function as a noun, verb, or adjective. For example: "I felt a sense of dread", "I dread going to the dentist", or "the dreaded tax season is upon us".

What can I say instead of "dread"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fear", "apprehension", or "foreboding". The most appropriate substitute will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am dreading"?

Yes, "I am dreading" is grammatically correct. It's the present continuous tense of the verb "dread", used to express that you are currently feeling dread or anticipating something with fear.

What is the difference between "dread" and "fear"?

"Fear" is a more general term for being afraid of something, while "dread" implies a deeper, more intense feeling of apprehension, often directed towards a specific future event or possibility.