ENGLISH
REFERENCE

schizophrenic

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˌʃɪzəˈfɹɛnɪk// UK //skˌɪtsəfɹˈɛnɪk// schiz·o·phrenic Archaic Informal

adj. describing someone with a serious mental illness that affects how they think and feel. In casual talk, people sometimes use it to describe something that changes quickly or doesn't make sense, but this can be rude.

adj. relating to a mental disorder characterised by delusions, hallucinations, and fragmented thought processes. When applied to inanimate objects or situations, it describes a state of extreme inconsistency or contradictory qualities.


SIMPLE

The weather lately has been almost schizophrenic, switching from sun to snow.

CONTEXTUAL

The film received mixed reviews because of its schizophrenic tone, which shifted abruptly from slapstick comedy to dark tragedy.

Synonyms
Origin

From schizophrenia + -ic.

Usage

Often used as a participial adjective; when used figuratively to mean 'inconsistent', it is considered offensive by many and should be avoided in formal or sensitive contexts.

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