Fanatical
/fəˈnætɪkəl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Fanatical means having very strong and sometimes extreme feelings or beliefs about something. A fanatical person cares deeply and acts with great energy, but sometimes their behavior can seem too intense or not balanced. This word is often used when someone is very passionate about a hobby, idea, or cause.
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See It in Action
Showing extreme enthusiasm or obsession
- •She is fanatical about collecting stamps and spends hours every day on it.
- •The fanatical fans waited outside the stadium all night for tickets.
- •He has a fanatical interest in fitness and never misses a workout.
Acting with extreme, sometimes unreasonable, devotion or belief
- •The group had fanatical members who would not listen to other opinions.
- •Fanatical supporters of the cause protested loudly in the streets.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "fanatical" like "very excited," but much stronger and sometimes a little too much
- ✓Picture a sports fan who wears a full team costume and cheers loudly at every game, no matter what
- ✓It's the feeling when you care about something so much that it takes up most of your thoughts and actions
- ✓Sounds like "fan-AT-ical" → imagine a "fan" (like a supporter) going crazy (fanatic) about their favorite thing
- ✓Think of characters in movies who will do anything for their favorite team or belief, even if it seems extreme
- ✓NOT like "interested" (casual, calm), fanatical is very intense and sometimes obsessive
- ✓NOT like "normal fan" (likes something), fanatical means the liking is very extreme and strong
- ✓NOT just "passionate" (strong feeling), fanatical can mean feelings are too strong and may cause problems
Try Other Words
- •Obsessed: very interested or worried about something (Use when the focus is on constant thinking or worry)
- •Passionate: having strong feelings about something (Use when feelings are strong but reasonable)
- •Extreme: very strong or intense (Use when emphasizing the high level of feeling or action)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "fanatic" (a person with extreme enthusiasm) + suffix "-al" (makes adjective)
- •Etymology: From Latin "fanaticus," meaning inspired by a deity or frenzied, through Old French and English
- •Historical development: Originally meant someone inspired by a religious spirit, later used for extreme enthusiasm in any area
- •Modern usage: Describes people with very strong, sometimes too strong, feelings or beliefs about hobbies, sports, politics, or religion
Reflect & Connect
•Can being fanatical about something be good or bad? When does it help or cause problems?
•How do you think fanatical behavior affects relationships with others who do not share the same passion?
Fill in the blanks
1.She is fanatical about ___ her favorite singer’s every new song and concert.
2.When someone is fanatical, they often ___ little attention to other opinions or ideas.
3.Unlike normal fans, fanatical supporters usually show their feelings in a ___ way.
4.The team’s fanatical fans stayed ___ outside the stadium all night to get tickets.
5.Fanatical behavior can sometimes ___ problems if it becomes too extreme.
6.People who are fanatical often spend a lot of time and energy ___ their interest.
7.Fanatical is different from passionate because it can mean feelings are ___ or too strong.