Mania: meaning, definitions and examples

Mania is best used when describing an extreme enthusiasm or obsession that is often irrational and can sometimes be harmful. It suggests a level of intensity that is over the top.

• His mania for collecting stamps has taken over his entire house.
• The city's basketball mania reached new heights during the championship.

Obsession is fitting when something dominates a person's thoughts, often to a troubling or excessive degree. It typically has a negative connotation.

• His obsession with social media is affecting his productivity at work.
• She has an obsession with cleanliness that borders on unhealthy.

Passion is appropriate when describing strong emotions or enthusiasm for something. Unlike mania or obsession, it generally has a positive connotation and doesn't suggest excessiveness.

• Her passion for painting is evident in every piece of art she creates.
• He has a passion for cooking that started when he was a child.

Fervor is ideal for describing intense and passionate feelings, often in a positive or energetic way. It can be related to emotions, beliefs, or activities.

• She spoke with such fervor about her volunteer work that everyone was inspired.
• The crowd cheered the team on with great fervor.

Mania refers to an extreme enthusiasm or obsession which can often be unhealthy and disruptive. It sometimes has a negative connotation and is used in medical contexts to describe a mental health condition.

• His mania for collecting stamps took over his life, leaving little time for anything else
• She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, experiencing episodes of mania and depression

Euphoria is an intense and overwhelming feeling of happiness and excitement. It can be used to describe the high one gets from successful events or certain activities, but it can also have a fleeting nature.

• He felt a sense of euphoria when he crossed the finish line first
• The euphoria of their wedding day stayed with them for weeks

Elation describes a feeling of great happiness or joy. This word is often used when someone achieves something significant or receives very good news.

• The team was filled with elation after winning the championship
• She felt a wave of elation upon hearing that she got the job

Exhilaration is a feeling of being extremely happy and excited, often as a result of physical activities or thrilling experiences.

• The exhilaration of skydiving for the first time was unforgettable
• She felt a rush of exhilaration while hiking through the scenic mountains

Use 'mania' when referring to an extreme, often irrational obsession. It usually has a negative connotation, indicating an unhealthy level of excitement or interest.

• His obsession with cleanliness turned into a full-blown mania.
• The town experienced a mania for the new diet trend, despite its potential health risks.

Use 'enthusiasm' when referring to strong, positive excitement or interest in something. It has a very positive connotation and suggests eagerness and passion.

• She showed great enthusiasm for the upcoming project.
• His enthusiasm for learning new languages is contagious.

Use 'zeal' to indicate a passionate commitment or diligence toward a particular cause or activity. It is generally positive but can imply an intense and sometimes overwhelming energy.

• She tackled the project with remarkable zeal.
• His zeal for environmental activism inspired many volunteers.

Use 'infatuation' to describe an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. It often has a romantic undertone and can imply a lack of long-term commitment.

• Her infatuation with the new teacher was obvious to everyone.
• He mistook his infatuation for true love.