WordGarden.ioobsessively
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɒbsˈɛsɪvli/
US
- /ɑbˈsɛsɪvli/
Meanings
Adverb
with excessive fixation or preoccupation
in a way marked by obsession or obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Beyond the definition
Imagine a dog with a favorite chew toy. It carries it everywhere, gnaws on it relentlessly, and seems unable to think about anything else when the toy is nearby. That's a little like acting obsessively – doing something repeatedly and intensely, to the point where it dominates your thoughts and actions.
It isn't just liking something a lot; it's being taken over by it. Someone might obsessively check their email, obsessively clean their house, or obsessively worry about a small problem. It often suggests an unhealthy level of focus. You would not usually say someone "obsessively enjoys" ice cream, but you might say they "obsessively collect" vintage stamps.
To act obsessively means to think about or do something repeatedly, persistently, and excessively—to the point where it interferes with your daily life. It goes beyond a strong interest; it suggests an uncontrollable preoccupation.
The root of "obsession" comes from the Latin word "obsidere," meaning "to besiege" – imagine being surrounded by thoughts you can't escape! This sense of being trapped is key to understanding how obsessively something is done.
You might read about a detective who obsessively pursues a cold case, dedicating every waking moment to solving it, even at the expense of their personal life. Or perhaps a writer obsessively revises a single paragraph, tweaking and perfecting it for hours on end. It can also describe habits: someone might obsessively organize their belongings, needing everything in its precise place.
While everyone has things they enjoy or focus on intensely, acting obsessively implies a lack of control and possible negative consequences. It's more than just enthusiasm; it's an all-consuming drive that can be difficult to break. In some cases, this kind of behavior can be linked to anxiety or other mental health problems.
So, when something takes over your thoughts and actions, demanding constant attention and effort—that's acting obsessively.
Examples
- 1
Phone checking
She checked her phone obsessively all afternoon.
- 2
Hobby fixation
He talks obsessively about cycling, even when no one else is interested.
- 3
Self-review
After the interview, Maya went over every answer obsessively in her head.
- 4
Cleanliness
The kitchen was obsessively clean, with every jar lined up by size.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public attention
Fans followed the trial obsessively as new details appeared online.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- single-mindedly
- incessantly
- monomaniacally
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- think obsessively about
- check obsessively
- follow obsessively
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- obsessivelyadverb