Hysterically: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone is experiencing intense and uncontrollable emotions, often in a way that seems irrational or overly dramatic.

• She started laughing hysterically at the joke.
• He was crying hysterically after hearing the bad news.

Appropriate when describing actions done with hurried, anxious, and often desperate urgency.

• She searched frantically for her missing keys.
• They were working frantically to meet the deadline.

Describes actions that are done in an unrestrained, uncontrolled or free-spirited manner. It can imply lack of order or predictability.

• The children ran wildly around the playground.
• She gestured wildly to get his attention.

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.

• He was madly in love with her.
• The fans cheered madly when their team scored.

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.

• She laughed hysterically at the joke, drawing everyone's attention in the room.
• He cried hysterically upon hearing the news of his friend's accident.

Used when something is extremely funny, causing a lot of laughter. It is stronger than 'amusingly' and implies that the humor is particularly effective.

• The comedian's performance was hilariously entertaining.
• She found his impression of their boss hilariously accurate.

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.

• He tripped over his own feet comically, causing everyone to burst out laughing.
• The actor's comically large hat was the highlight of the performance.

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.

• He told the story amusingly, making everyone smile.
• The cat amusingly chased its tail around the room.