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hectic

Hectic (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈhɛk tɪk/

What does hectic mean?

Characterized by intense and chaotic activity, often causing a sense of pressure, rush, or busyness.
"The office was in a state of hectic activity as everyone rushed to meet the deadline."

Detailed Meaning of Hectic

When something is described as hectic, it implies a lack of calm or organization, and a constant flurry of events or tasks. It suggests a fast-paced and demanding environment where there may be little time for rest or relaxation. In a hectic situation, people often feel overwhelmed or stressed due to the high level of activity and the need to multitask or manage numerous responsibilities simultaneously. The word 'hectic' conveys a sense of urgency and a feeling that there is a lot happening or needing attention within a limited timeframe, creating a dynamic and bustling atmosphere.

Example Sentences for Hectic

1. The morning rush hour was incredibly hectic, with cars honking and people scrambling to catch buses.
2. After a long day at work, Sarah found herself in a hectic race against time to prepare dinner for her guests.
3. Trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, Tom felt overwhelmed by the hectic pace of his day.
4. The holiday season always brings a hectic flurry of shopping, parties, and family gatherings.
5. Mary's schedule was so hectic that she barely had time to catch her breath between meetings.
6. The airport terminal was filled with frantic passengers, creating a hectic atmosphere.

Origin and Etymology of Hectic

The adjective 'hectic' has its roots in the medieval Latin term 'hecticus,' which referred to a fever characterized by continuous, high-intensity activity and a flushed appearance. This Latin word, in turn, was derived from the Greek 'hektikos,' meaning 'habitual' or 'continuous.' The sense of continuous activity and a rushed, chaotic pace associated with 'hectic' can be traced back to its origins in describing this fever. Over time, 'hectic' expanded its meaning to describe any situation or period characterized by intense and chaotic activity, often causing a sense of pressure, rush, or busyness. Its etymology underscores the frenetic and overwhelming nature of such situations, which can feel as intense as the fever that originally inspired the term.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective hectic:

frenzied

relaxed

tranquil

calm

Try Again!

Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Hectic

1. The final weeks before the exam were a hectic period of cramming and late-night studying.
2. Jenny's wedding preparations were in full swing, making her days incredibly hectic.
3. The restaurant kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, with chefs and waitstaff moving at a hectic pace.
4. The chaotic scene at the concert turned into a hectic frenzy when the band took the stage.
5. Despite the hectic schedule, Mark managed to find a few moments of peace and solitude.
6. The opening day of the store's sale brought a hectic crowd of eager shoppers.
7. The city streets during rush hour were a hectic maze of cars, buses, and pedestrians.
8. Sally's life as a working mother was always hectic, with balancing work and family responsibilities.
9. The film shoot was a hectic affair, with multiple scenes being filmed simultaneously.
10. The student's hectic social life left little time for studying or relaxation.
11. The emergency room was filled with the hectic energy of doctors and nurses attending to patients.
12. The week leading up to the big event was a hectic whirlwind of last-minute preparations.
13. The project manager's hectic schedule required her to be in multiple meetings throughout the day.
14. The hectic pace of city life can be overwhelming.
15. The morning rush hour is always a hectic time.
16. Her job in event planning is notoriously hectic.
17. We had a hectic day filled with meetings and deadlines.
18. The holiday season is typically a hectic time for families.
19. The office was a hive of hectic activity before the deadline.
20. Traveling during peak tourist season can be quite hectic.
21. Our schedule was so hectic we barely had time to eat.
22. The classroom was a bit hectic before the school bell rang.
23. The restaurant was always hectic during lunch hours.
24. The weekend's hectic agenda left us exhausted but satisfied.