Hysterically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hysterically
[hษชหstษrษชk(ษ)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.
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| frantically |
Appropriate when describing actions done with hurried, anxious, and often desperate urgency.
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| wildly |
Describes actions that are done in an unrestrained, uncontrolled or free-spirited manner. It can imply lack of order or predictability.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She acted hysterically in the play, making everyone laugh.
- The comedian delivered his lines hysterically, earning applause from the audience.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'hysterically'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'hystera,' meaning 'womb,' reflecting historical beliefs that womenโs 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.
The word 'hysterically' is derived from the adjective 'hysterical', which originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'hystericus', meaning 'of the womb'. It was believed in ancient times that hysteria was a condition exclusive to women and caused by disturbances in the uterus. Over time, the word evolved to refer to a state of uncontrollable emotion or excitement, regardless of gender.