Word
obsessively
Phoneticsob·ses·sive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɑbˈsɛsɪvɫi/
UK/ɒbsˈɛsɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something in a way that shows you are thinking about it too much. You use this when someone is focused on one thing to the point of being annoying or unhealthy.
adv. in a manner characterized by excessive or unhealthy preoccupation with a single subject. Often implies a lack of control or a narrowing of focus to the exclusion of other interests.
Examples
“He checks his phone obsessively throughout the day.”
“She organized her bookshelf obsessively, arranging every volume by color and height.”
“The detective worked obsessively on the cold case, convinced that a single overlooked detail in the original report would eventually lead to a breakthrough.”
Examples
simple
“He checks his phone obsessively throughout the day.”
contextual
“She organized her bookshelf obsessively, arranging every volume by color and height.”
complex
“The detective worked obsessively on the cold case, convinced that a single overlooked detail in the original report would eventually lead to a breakthrough.”
Real-World Examples
“She would pray obsessively, thinking it would keep her grandfather safe; later, she would do the same when her two children were born, and she says it still flares up in times of stress.” “He threw himself into his work, obsessively making pictures of his friends.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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