It stems from the outdated word “affray” which meant a disturbance in peace by fighting in public space (both verbal and/or physical).
Going further back, “affray” originates from the Old English word frithu which itself comes from the German word Friede (“peace”). The prefix “a-” usually means ‘absence of’ in nouns, so “affray” means absence of peace.
So, if you look at it closely, ‘afraid’ having the meaning of ‘scared’ means you have a quarrel with your inner peace, much akin to your inner dispute when you know that you are about to inconvenience somebody.
Another way of saying “unfortunately”/“I’m sorry for the inconvenience”. Trying to let the person know it was unintentional on your end by taking blame on yourself in some fashion.
Also it’s a softening word in a phrase like ‘do we have milk?’, ‘I’m afraid not’ you’re putting yourself on the side of the person like you’re saying ‘i also wish we had milk’ and leaving the possibility you’re wrong, it’s not such a harsh blow.
That is an odd phrase, isn’t it? I wonder why we say that.
It stems from the outdated word “affray” which meant a disturbance in peace by fighting in public space (both verbal and/or physical).
Going further back, “affray” originates from the Old English word frithu which itself comes from the German word Friede (“peace”). The prefix “a-” usually means ‘absence of’ in nouns, so “affray” means absence of peace.
So, if you look at it closely, ‘afraid’ having the meaning of ‘scared’ means you have a quarrel with your inner peace, much akin to your inner dispute when you know that you are about to inconvenience somebody.
German or germanic?
Germanic in this case, you’re right. But it’s also the German word lol
Another way of saying “unfortunately”/“I’m sorry for the inconvenience”. Trying to let the person know it was unintentional on your end by taking blame on yourself in some fashion.
Also it’s a softening word in a phrase like ‘do we have milk?’, ‘I’m afraid not’ you’re putting yourself on the side of the person like you’re saying ‘i also wish we had milk’ and leaving the possibility you’re wrong, it’s not such a harsh blow.
Isn’t it short for “I’m afraid to say”?
As in, it gives me discomfort to tell you.
As if every person is a feudal lord who might strike you down for your impudence.