# obsessively

/ɑbˈsɛsɪvɫi/ (US) · /ɒbsˈɛsɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obsessively
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.