WordGarden.iopathologically
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˌæθəlˈɒdʒɪkli/
US
- /ˌpæθəˈlɑdʒɪkli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way caused by or relating to disease or abnormal bodily processes
to an abnormal, compulsive, or mentally unhealthy degree
Beyond the definition
The word "pathologically" is used for behavior or feelings that are deeply unhealthy, not just a little unusual. It suggests that something has gone beyond an ordinary habit or personality trait and has become serious enough to seem tied to illness or disorder. If someone is pathologically shy, for example, they are not just quiet or reserved; their fear of social contact is so strong that it affects daily life. The word often carries the idea of compulsion, obsession, or damage.
"Pathologically" is an adverb derived from the word "pathology," which is connected with disease. When something is described this way, it means it happens in a manner linked to illness, especially mental or emotional illness. It is not just a habit, preference, or strong tendency, but something that suggests a deeper problem.
It suggests an extreme and unhealthy deviation from normal behavior. For example, someone might be described as "pathologically honest" if their need to tell the truth is so intense that it damages relationships, or "pathologically jealous" if jealousy consumes them and leads to destructive actions. It's stronger than simply saying someone is "very" something; it implies a clinical component.
You'll often encounter "pathologically" in contexts related to mental health, psychology, or descriptions of deeply flawed characters in literature. A character might be "pathologically incapable of forming attachments," suggesting a trauma has fundamentally altered their ability to connect with others.
It's important to note that using this word casually can be insensitive; it's best reserved for situations where you genuinely want to emphasize the unhealthy or disease-related nature of a behavior. So, while someone might really like cleaning, they aren't "pathologically clean" unless their compulsion is causing them distress or interfering with daily life.
Examples
- 1
Medical diagnosis
The diagnosis was pathologically confirmed after the biopsy.
- Domainpathologically confirmed
confirmed by examining tissue or cells
- 2
Extreme shyness
He was pathologically shy as a child and avoided even simple conversations.
- 3
Jealousy
She became pathologically jealous whenever her partner talked to someone else.
- 4
Risk avoidance
The company was pathologically afraid of risk, so every decision took months.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Admitting fault
He seemed pathologically incapable of admitting that he was wrong.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- morbidly
- neurotically
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- pathologically shy
- pathologically jealous
- pathologically anxious
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- pathologicallyadverb