Mania Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คช
mania
[หmeษช.ni.ษ ]
Definitions
mental health
A mental illness characterized by an intense and persistent enthusiasm, interest, or desire for something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mania |
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.
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| obsession |
Obsession is fitting when something dominates a person's thoughts, often to a troubling or excessive degree. It typically has a negative connotation.
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| passion |
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.
|
| fervor |
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.
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Examples of usage
- She was diagnosed with mania after displaying symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- His mania for collecting vintage cars knows no bounds.
psychology
An abnormally elevated mood state.
Synonyms
elation, euphoria, exhilaration.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mania |
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.
|
| euphoria |
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.
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| elation |
Elation describes a feeling of great happiness or joy. This word is often used when someone achieves something significant or receives very good news.
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| exhilaration |
Exhilaration is a feeling of being extremely happy and excited, often as a result of physical activities or thrilling experiences.
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Examples of usage
- During his manic episode, he felt invincible and had an inflated sense of self-importance.
informal
Excessive enthusiasm or desire for something.
Synonyms
enthusiasm, infatuation, zeal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mania |
Use 'mania' when referring to an extreme, often irrational obsession. It usually has a negative connotation, indicating an unhealthy level of excitement or interest.
|
| enthusiasm |
Use 'enthusiasm' when referring to strong, positive excitement or interest in something. It has a very positive connotation and suggests eagerness and passion.
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| zeal |
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.
|
| infatuation |
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.
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Examples of usage
- His mania for chocolate is well-known among his friends.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, mania is often associated with bipolar disorder, where individuals experience exceedingly high energy and mood swings.
- People experiencing mania may show symptoms like increased sleep need, distractedness, and impulsive behavior.
- Manic episodes can lead to creative bursts but also risky behaviors, highlighting the dual nature of this emotional state.
Pop Culture
- The term 'mania' has been used in titles of popular songs, like 'Mania' by Fall Out Boy, expressing intense emotion.
- Fan bases can get described as having 'mania' for celebrities, showing how enthusiasm translates into community culture.
- Movies and shows often depict 'mania' as characters excitedly obsessed with a hobby or celebrity, exaggerating the emotional state.
Literature
- Authors like Edgar Allan Poe explored themes of mania in their works, often depicting characters in extreme emotional states.
- In Shakespeareโs plays, characters often experience fits of mania, leading to dramatic turns and conflicts.
- Modern literary genres, especially psychological thrillers, often include characters who display manic behaviors to drive narratives.
History
- The South Sea Bubble in 1720 represents economic mania where investors were wildly enthusiastic about stock, leading to a financial crash.
- The word has historical relevance in art movements, like the 'Mania of the 1970s', associated with heightened self-expression in artwork.
- Many historical figures, such as Vincent van Gogh, exhibited symptoms of mania, influencing their creativity and lives significantly.
Origin of 'mania'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'mania', meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy'.
- Historically, 'mania' was used to describe a condition of madness or intense psychological disturbance.
- The term has evolved over time to also describe extreme enthusiasm, especially in various fields like sports or hobbies.
The word 'mania' originates from the Greek word 'manรญa', meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy'. In ancient Greek mythology, mania was associated with the madness of the god Dionysus. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to intense enthusiasm or mental health disorders.
See also: everyman, man, manacle, manage, manipulate, mankind, manliness, manly, manner, manor, mantra, manual, manure.