Hectic: meaning, definitions and examples

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hectic

 

[ ˈhɛktɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

busy

Characterized by intense activity, confusion, or haste.

Synonyms

busy, fast-paced, frantic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hectic

This word works best when describing a situation that is very busy and chaotic, often with a sense of being disorganized. It implies that things are happening quickly and there may be a struggle to keep up.

  • The week before the launch was very hectic
  • My schedule has been hectic lately
busy

Use this word to describe a situation, person, or place that has a lot of activities or tasks ongoing. It doesn't necessarily imply chaos, just that there are many things happening at once.

  • I've been very busy with work
  • The city streets are always busy during rush hour
frantic

This word is best for describing a state of anxiety or desperation where someone is very worried and rushing around, often in a panic. It has a negative connotation.

  • He made a frantic search for his missing keys
  • The parents were frantic when they couldn't find their child
fast-paced

This word is suitable for describing situations or environments where things happen very quickly and there is a need to keep up with the speed. It often has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • She enjoys the fast-paced nature of her job
  • The tech industry is known for being fast-paced

Examples of usage

  • It was a hectic day at the office with back-to-back meetings.
  • She led a hectic lifestyle, always on the go.
  • The city streets were hectic with rush hour traffic.
Context #2 | Adjective

schedule

Full of incessant or frantic activity.

Synonyms

busy, demanding, frantic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hectic

Use this word when describing a situation or period that is full of hurried activity and a lot of stress. It often implies chaos and lack of control.

  • The week before the holiday was incredibly hectic with so many deadlines to meet
  • Her schedule was so hectic that she barely had time to eat
busy

This is used to describe a situation where someone has a lot to do. It's a neutral term that doesn't necessarily imply chaos or immense stress.

  • I'll be busy with meetings all day
  • The mall was really busy during the sales
frantic

Use this word when someone is acting in a hurried and anxious way due to stress or urgency. It conveys a sense of panic and disorder.

  • She made a frantic search for her missing keys
  • The team worked at a frantic pace to meet the deadline
demanding

This word is used when talking about tasks or jobs that require a lot of effort, attention, and time. It often suggests that something is challenging and taxing.

  • Being a nurse is demanding work
  • The project manager had a very demanding role

Examples of usage

  • Her hectic schedule left little time for relaxation.
  • The team faced a hectic week leading up to the competition.

Translations

Translations of the word "hectic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agitado

🇮🇳 अराजक

🇩🇪 hektisch

🇮🇩 sibuk

🇺🇦 метушливий

🇵🇱 gorączkowy

🇯🇵 慌ただしい

🇫🇷 agité

🇪🇸 agitado

🇹🇷 heyecanlı

🇰🇷 바쁜

🇸🇦 مزدحم

🇨🇿 hektický

🇸🇰 hektický

🇨🇳 繁忙

🇸🇮 natrpan

🇮🇸 annasamur

🇰🇿 қызу

🇬🇪 მეტის

🇦🇿 gərgin

🇲🇽 agitado

Etymology

The word 'hectic' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'hecticus' meaning 'habitual, consumptive'. It was originally used to describe a type of fever that was characterized by flushed skin and a quick pulse. Over time, the meaning shifted to convey a sense of intense activity and busyness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,234, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.