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Monomaniacal: meaning, definitions and examples

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monomaniacal

 

[ˌmɒnəʊməˈnaɪəkl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

descriptive behavior

Monomaniacal describes a person who exhibits obsession or excessive interest in a single idea or focus, to the exclusion of everything else. This kind of fixation often leads to detrimental effects on the individual's social interactions, decision-making, and overall well-being. Monomaniacal tendencies can manifest in various contexts, including hobbies, professions, or personal beliefs. The term is often used in psychological evaluations to describe a dysfunctional preoccupation.

Synonyms

fixated, obsessive, single-minded.

Examples of usage

  • His monomaniacal pursuit of perfection isolates him from friends.
  • She became monomaniacal about her research topic, neglecting other responsibilities.
  • The monomaniacal focus on profit ultimately led to the company's downfall.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'mono' meaning 'one' and 'mania', which refers to an obsession or excessive enthusiasm.
  • Originating in the 19th century, it was initially used in psychological contexts to describe a type of mental fixation.
  • The term has roots in Greek, where 'mania' signifies madness or frenzy.

Psychology

  • Focused obsession can lead to creative breakthroughs but may also make it difficult to see other perspectives.
  • Monomania is sometimes linked to certain psychiatric conditions, where individuals may fixate on a singular idea or fear.
  • Research indicates that extreme focus can either enhance or impair cognitive flexibility, affecting problem-solving.

Literature

  • Famous characters in literature often display monomaniacal traits, such as Captain Ahab in 'Moby Dick', whose obsession with the whale drives the plot.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters with singular obsessions typically face tragic consequences, highlighting the dangers of losing balance.
  • The exploration of obsessive behavior has been a recurring theme in both classical and contemporary literature.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray monomaniacal characters as villains, showcasing their extremes to emphasize the stakes involved in their obsessions.
  • Many successful artists and inventors have been described as monomaniacal, suggesting a fine line between genius and obsession.
  • Notable examples include movie portrayals of characters like Howard Hughes, whose obsessive behaviors are both celebrated and critiqued.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate whether extreme focus is a pathway to enlightenment or a trap that limits understanding.
  • Some theories suggest that an obsession can lead to innovations in specific fields while ignoring broader implications.
  • Monomaniacal behavior raises questions about the nature of happiness and fulfillment, exploring if purpose can exist solely within a single fixation.

Translations

Translations of the word "monomaniacal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monomaníaco

🇮🇳 मोनोमेनियाकल

🇩🇪 monomanisch

🇮🇩 monomanikal

🇺🇦 мономаніакальний

🇵🇱 monomaniakalny

🇯🇵 モノマニア的な

🇫🇷 monomaniaque

🇪🇸 monomaníaco

🇹🇷 monomaniak

🇰🇷 모노마니악한

🇸🇦 مونومانياكالي

🇨🇿 monomaniakální

🇸🇰 monomaniakálny

🇨🇳 单一狂热的

🇸🇮 monomaniakalni

🇮🇸 monomaniac

🇰🇿 мономаниялық

🇬🇪 მონომანიაკალური

🇦🇿 monomaniakal

🇲🇽 monomaníaco

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,628, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.