English Reference

Word

raving

Phoneticsrav·ing

US/ˈɹeɪvɪŋ/

UK/ɹˈeɪvɪŋ/

Definition

adj. talking or acting in a wild, crazy, or very excited way. It is often used to describe someone who is shouting because they are angry or confused.

adj. behaving in a wild, delirious, or irrational manner; characterized by incoherent or frenzied speech. Often used as an intensifier before nouns like 'lunatic' or 'madman'.

Examples

“He was acting like a raving lunatic in the street.”

“The witness described a raving man who was shouting at passing cars during the storm.”

“Despite his reputation as a brilliant scientist, his final years were marked by raving outbursts that alienated his closest colleagues and family members.”

Examples

simple

“He was acting like a raving lunatic in the street.”

contextual

“The witness described a raving man who was shouting at passing cars during the storm.”

complex

“Despite his reputation as a brilliant scientist, his final years were marked by raving outbursts that alienated his closest colleagues and family members.”

Usage

Often used as an intensifier before nouns related to madness or anger; frequently follows the verb 'to be' or 'to go'.

Real-World Examples

“He cites his time raving in the 90s as proof of how music can bring people together.”
The Guardian · 22 Sept 2026
“He turned ill, raving with fever and visions.”
Aeon · 20 Aug 2026

Word family

raveNounravingAdjective

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference