Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Obsessively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿง
Add to dictionary

obsessively

[ษ™bหˆsษ›sษชvli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe an action done in a compulsive or fixated manner

In an obsessive manner; in a way that shows an excessive preoccupation with something.

Synonyms

compulsively, fanatically, fixatedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
obsessively

Used when someone is overly focused on something or someone, often to a concerning degree.

  • She checks her phone obsessively every five minutes
  • He talks about his new hobby obsessively, to the point it's all he ever mentions
compulsively

Describes actions driven by an irresistible urge, often related to habits or routines that are hard to break.

  • She bites her nails compulsively when she's nervous
  • He cleans the house compulsively, even when it's already tidy
fixatedly

Suggests a strong, almost unhealthy, preoccupation or attachment to something or someone.

  • He stares at the computer screen fixatedly, as if in a trance
  • She follows her ex-boyfriendโ€™s social media accounts fixatedly, despite their breakup years ago
fanatically

Used to indicate extreme enthusiasm or zeal, often about interests, hobbies, or beliefs. Can have a negative connotation if the enthusiasm appears excessive.

  • He follows his favorite football team fanatically, never missing a game
  • She is fanatically devoted to her fitness routine, spending hours at the gym every day

Examples of usage

  • She cleaned the house obsessively, unable to relax until everything was spotless.
  • He checked his phone obsessively, constantly refreshing the news feed for updates.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a person or behavior characterized by an excessive preoccupation with a particular subject

Having or showing an excessive preoccupation with something.

Synonyms

compulsive, fanatical, fixated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
obsessively

This word is used when someone is very focused on something, often to an unhealthy degree.

  • She cleaned the house obsessively, making sure every corner was spotless.
  • He checked his email obsessively every few minutes.
fixated

Fixated refers to being overly focused or attached to something to the point of obsession. It can carry a negative connotation.

  • He was fixated on his ex-girlfriend's social media, unable to move on.
  • She was fixated on achieving the perfect body image.
compulsive

Compulsive behavior is often linked to an uncontrollable urge to do something repeatedly, which can sometimes be related to a disorder.

  • She had a compulsive need to organize her books by color.
  • His compulsive gambling habit led to serious financial problems.
fanatical

This word is used when someone has extreme enthusiasm or zeal for something, often to the point where it seems irrational to others.

  • He was fanatical about his favorite sports team, never missing a game.
  • She had a fanatical passion for vintage cars.

Examples of usage

  • She had an obsessively neat desk, with everything arranged just so.
  • His obsessively competitive nature drove him to excel in every aspect of his life.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People with obsessive thoughts often experience anxiety, as they feel compelled to focus on certain ideas or tasks.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health issue characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
  • Research shows that feelings of being overwhelmed by thoughts can make it hard to focus on other important things.

Social Media Influence

  • Social media platforms often encourage obsessive behavior, pushing users to check updates frequently.
  • Studies show that the more time spent on social media, the more likely individuals are to obsess over likes and comments.
  • Content algorithms can create addictive patterns, leading users to obsess over specific topics or trends.

Popular Culture

  • Songs like 'Obsessed' by Mariah Carey explore themes of being fixated on someone in a romantic context.
  • Many movies depict characters who are obsessively in love, showcasing both the charm and the challenges of such feelings.
  • The 'True Crime' genre often examines obsessive behaviors in real-life mysteries and investigations.

Literature

  • Classic novels often feature characters who obsessively pursue their goals, such as Moby Dick's Captain Ahab focusing on the whale.
  • Emily Dickinson's poetry frequently reflects themes of obsession, particularly in relationships and nature.
  • Modern literature often explores the darker sides of obsession, showcasing how it can lead to destructive outcomes.

Historical Perspectives

  • Throughout history, many artists and inventors were known for their obsessive dedication to their craft, leading to groundbreaking innovations.
  • Historical figures like Nikola Tesla exhibited obsessive traits, pushing boundaries in science and technology.
  • Obsessive behaviors have been recorded since ancient times, reflected in art and literature, demonstrating humanity's long-standing intrigue with fixation.

Origin of 'obsessively'

The word 'obsessively' is derived from the term 'obsessive', which comes from the Latin word 'obsessivus', meaning besieged or haunted. The concept of obsession has been present in human history for centuries, often associated with psychological disorders or extreme passion. The adverb 'obsessively' emerged in modern English to describe behaviors or actions done in an excessive or fixated manner.

See also: obsess, obsessed, obsession, obsessive, obsessiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,233, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.