ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hectic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɛktɪk// UK //hˈɛktɪk// hec·tic Archaic

adj. very busy and full of activity. You use this to describe a day or a situation where you have too many things to do at once.

adj. characterised by intense activity, confusion, or haste. Often used to describe schedules, lifestyles, or specific periods of time.


SIMPLE

I had a very hectic day at the office today.

CONTEXTUAL

The holiday season is always hectic for retail workers because of the constant stream of customers.

COMPLEX

Despite her hectic travel schedule and back-to-back meetings, she managed to maintain a disciplined morning routine that kept her grounded.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English etik, ethik, from Old French etique, from Medieval Latin *hecticus, from Ancient Greek ἑκτικός (hektikós, “habitual, hectic, consumptive”), from ἕξις (héxis, “a state or habit of body or of mind, condition”), from ἔχειν (ékhein, “to have, hold, be in a certain state”).

Usage

Commonly follows linking verbs like 'become' or 'get'; often modified by degree adverbs such as 'rather' or 'extremely'.

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