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Neurotically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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neurotically

[nʊəˈrɒtɪkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

behavioral pattern

Neurotically describes an action or behavior characterized by excessive anxiety or obsessive concern, often leading to irrational actions. It reflects a state of mind where an individual is overly preoccupied with issues that may not warrant such intense focus.

Synonyms

anxiously, compulsively, obsessively.

Examples of usage

  • She neurotically checked her emails every few minutes.
  • He neurotically organized his books by color and size.
  • They neurotically planned every detail of their vacation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'neurotically'

The term 'neurotic' originates from the Greek word 'neuron', which means 'nerve', combined with the suffix '-ic', denoting a characteristic or relation. The concept began to appear in medical literature in the late 19th century, used to describe a range of mental disorders characterized by anxiety and distress without a clear physical cause. In modern parlance, the adverb 'neurotically' emerged to describe actions stemming from such a mental state. Over time, the common usage has evolved, reflecting everyday behaviors marked by excessive worry or obsessive rituals. It indicates a shift from clinical terminology to a more colloquial expression that captures the essence of anxious behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,931, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.