ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hysterically

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌhɪsˈtɛɹɪkɫi// UK //hɪstˈɛɹɪkli// hys·ter·i·cal·ly

adv. in a way that shows you are very excited, nervous, or laughing a lot. It can also describe someone who is acting in a way that is not serious or logical.

adv. in a manner characterized by extreme emotion, nervousness, or uncontrollable laughter. Often used to describe behavior that is perceived as irrational or lacking self-control.


SIMPLE

She laughed hysterically at the funny joke.

CONTEXTUAL

The crowd cheered hysterically as the home team scored the winning goal in the final minute.

COMPLEX

The witness began to speak hysterically, her voice cracking with emotion as she recounted the events of that night to the jury.

Origin

From hysterical + -ly.

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