Hysterically: meaning, definitions and examples
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hysterically
[hɪˈstɛrɪk(ə)li ]
Definitions
emotional
In an uncontrollably emotional and excited manner.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hysterically |
Use when someone is experiencing intense and uncontrollable emotions, often in a way that seems irrational or overly dramatic.
|
| frantically |
Appropriate when describing actions done with hurried, anxious, and often desperate urgency.
|
| wildly |
Describes actions that are done in an unrestrained, uncontrolled or free-spirited manner. It can imply lack of order or predictability.
|
| madly |
Typically used to express actions or feelings done with extreme passion or intensity, sometimes implying a lack of control. Can have a slightly negative or unpredictable connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She laughed hysterically at the joke.
- He cried hysterically when he heard the news.
- The child screamed hysterically when he lost his toy.
comedy
In a funny and exaggerated manner, often used for comedic effect.
Synonyms
amusingly, comically, hilariously.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hysterically |
Used to describe an uncontrollable, intense emotion, often related to laughter or sadness. This word can have a negative connotation when it describes emotions out of control, especially in serious situations.
|
| hilariously |
Used when something is extremely funny, causing a lot of laughter. It is stronger than 'amusingly' and implies that the humor is particularly effective.
|
| comically |
Used to describe something that is funny in an exaggerated or ridiculous way. Often used to describe situations, actions, or appearance that are meant to entertain.
|
| amusingly |
Used when something is funny in a light-hearted, pleasant way. It adds a sense of mild humor to a situation or comment, without intense reactions.
|
Examples of usage
- She acted hysterically in the play, making everyone laugh.
- The comedian delivered his lines hysterically, earning applause from the audience.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek word 'hystera,' meaning 'womb,' reflecting historical beliefs that women’s emotions were tied to their reproductive systems.
- In the 19th century, 'hysteria' was often used to describe conditions predominantly in women, underlining gender biases in medical terminology.
Psychology
- Hysterical laughter is sometimes a response to stress, acting as an emotional release during tense situations.
- Modern psychology links hysterical reactions to overwhelming emotions, demonstrating how our feelings can influence our body's reactions.
Pop Culture
- Movies and sitcoms often use hysterically funny characters or moments to exaggerate humor, creating memorable comedic scenes.
- The term 'hysterically laughing' is frequently seen in memes and social media to describe relatable or outrageous content.
Literature
- In literature, characters may react hysterically to events, highlighting their emotional states in comedic or tragic contexts.
- Classic comedic plays often include scenes where misunderstandings lead to hysterical conflicts, enhancing the humor through chaos.
Theater
- Dramatic performances often aim for hysterical reactions from the audience, using exaggeration and timing to evoke laughter.
- Theatrical comedy legends, such as Charlie Chaplin, perfected the art of physical humor that often resulted in hysterical reactions from viewers.
Translations
Translations of the word "hysterically" in other languages:
🇵🇹 histericamente
🇮🇳 उन्मत्ततापूर्वक
🇩🇪 hysterisch
🇮🇩 histeris
🇺🇦 істерично
🇵🇱 histerycznie
🇯🇵 ヒステリックに (histerikku ni)
🇫🇷 hystériquement
🇪🇸 histéricamente
🇹🇷 histerik
🇰🇷 히스테리 상태로 (hiseuteri sangtae-ro)
🇸🇦 بشكل هستيري (bishakl hystiry)
🇨🇿 hystericky
🇸🇰 hystericky
🇨🇳 歇斯底里地 (xiēsīdǐlǐ de)
🇸🇮 histerično
🇮🇸 hysterískt
🇰🇿 истерикамен
🇬🇪 ჰისტერიულად (histeriulad)
🇦🇿 histerik
🇲🇽 histéricamente