Frenetic
/frəˈnɛtɪk/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Frenetic means full of quick, wild, and busy action that can feel a little out of control. It often describes people, places, or activities that are very active and sometimes chaotic (disorganized). This word shows strong energy, sometimes too much.
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See It in Action
Very fast and energetic activity, often wild or uncontrolled
- •The frenetic pace of the city made it hard to relax.
- •She worked with frenetic energy to finish the project on time.
- •The crowd moved in a frenetic way during the concert.
Showing nervous or excited movement
- •His frenetic gestures showed he was anxious.
- •The children played with frenetic enthusiasm in the playground.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'frenetic' like 'busy' (A2 word), but much faster and more wild—like busy on fast speed
- ✓Picture a person running around quickly, with many things happening all at once, like a busy market or a sports game
- ✓It's the feeling when your heart beats fast because you are excited or nervous and everything moves quickly
- ✓Sounds like 'fren-ET-ic' → imagine a friend named 'Eric' running very fast and wild, not stopping
- ✓Imagine a scene in a movie where people rush everywhere, phones ring, and noise is loud—this is frenetic energy
- ✓NOT like 'calm' (quiet and slow), frenetic is loud, fast, and active
- ✓NOT like 'organized' (planned and controlled), frenetic is often a bit wild and uncontrolled
- ✓NOT like 'slow' or 'gentle,' frenetic is very fast and intense
Try Other Words
- •Frantic: very worried and hurried (Use when the activity is caused by fear or strong worry)
- •Hectic: full of activity and very busy (Use when describing a busy time or place, less wild than frenetic)
- •Wild: uncontrolled and energetic (Use when emphasizing lack of control or chaos)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) likely from root word 'frenetic'
- •Etymology: From Greek 'phrenētikos,' meaning 'mad' or 'frenzied,' related to 'phren' (mind)
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s to describe madness or wild excitement
- •Modern usage: Used to describe very fast, energetic, and sometimes uncontrolled activity or behavior
- •Key insight: The word connects to strong mental or physical energy that feels almost crazy or out of control
Reflect & Connect
•When have you experienced a frenetic moment in your life? How did it feel?
•Can a frenetic environment be good or bad? When might it help or hurt someone?
Fill in the blanks
1.The office became frenetic ___ the deadline was very close and everyone was working fast.
2.Her frenetic movements showed she was feeling ___ and nervous before the exam.
3.Unlike a calm day, the market was frenetic with ___ and noise everywhere.
4.He tried to stay calm, but the frenetic pace of the game made it hard to ___.
5.During the event, the frenetic energy ___ from the crowd to the performers.
6.Frenetic activity often happens when people ___ to finish something quickly.
7.The city’s frenetic life is ___ different from the quiet countryside.