Frantically: meaning, definitions and examples

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frantically

 

[ ˈfræntɪkli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

describing an action

In a hurried, panicked, or frenzied way.

Synonyms

desperately, hurriedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frantically

Used when someone is acting with wild, hurried, and often chaotic energy, especially due to panic or urgency.

  • She searched frantically for her lost keys.
  • The team worked frantically to meet the deadline.
desperately

Used when someone acts with a sense of urgency, often driven by a lack of hope or extreme need.

  • He desperately tried to save their relationship.
  • She was desperately looking for a new job after being laid off.
hurriedly

Used when doing something quickly and often carelessly, usually because of time constraints.

  • He hurriedly packed his bags for the trip.
  • She finished her homework hurriedly before the bus arrived.

Examples of usage

  • She searched frantically for her keys.
  • He ran frantically to catch the bus before it left.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a state of mind

In a state of panic or desperation.

Synonyms

desperate, frenzied, panicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frantically

Used when someone is acting in a hurried or chaotic manner due to worry, fear, or urgency.

  • She searched frantically for her lost keys.
  • The team worked frantically to meet the deadline.
desperate

Used when someone feels a great need that is pressing or urgent, often as a last resort.

  • He made a desperate attempt to save his business.
  • She was desperate for a solution to her problem.
panicked

Used when someone feels a sudden, overpowering terror or anxiety, leading to confusion and abrupt actions. Often has a negative connotation.

  • She panicked when she realized she was lost.
  • The students panicked during the fire drill.
frenzied

Used to describe a state of wild excitement or uncontrolled activity, often with high energy.

  • The crowd was in a frenzied state during the concert.
  • He worked in a frenzied pace to finish the project.

Examples of usage

  • She was frantically trying to finish the project before the deadline.
  • The frantically worried parents waited for news of their missing child.

Translations

Translations of the word "frantically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 freneticamente

🇮🇳 उन्मत्त होकर

🇩🇪 hektisch

🇮🇩 dengan panik

🇺🇦 схвильовано

🇵🇱 gorączkowo

🇯🇵 狂ったように

🇫🇷 frénétiquement

🇪🇸 frenéticamente

🇹🇷 çılgınca

🇰🇷 미친 듯이

🇸🇦 بجنون

🇨🇿 zběsile

🇸🇰 zbesilo

🇨🇳 疯狂地

🇸🇮 besno

🇮🇸 frávita

🇰🇿 ессізденіп

🇬🇪 გიჟურად

🇦🇿 çılğıncasına

🇲🇽 frenéticamente

Etymology

The word 'frantically' originated from the Middle English word 'frantike', meaning 'insane' or 'mad'. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe actions or states of mind done in a hurried, panicked, or desperate manner. The word has been in use for centuries and continues to be a common descriptor for intense and frenzied behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,786, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.