frantically

/ˈfræntɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfræntɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfran-ti-k(ə-)lē/ (ame, mw)

frantically — adverb

1. doing something very quickly while also feeling rushed, excited, or a little con

1.副詞B2
釋義

doing something very quickly while also feeling rushed, excited, or a little confused, often with no clear plan.

例句

Caio was frantically searching the kitchen drawer for his car keys before work.

verb + frantically + searching pattern

Backstage, the costume team worked frantically to finish the dresses before the curtain rose.

work frantically + purpose clause

同義詞
  • hurriedly

    neutral; only the speed, not the emotional pressure behind it

  • feverishly

    stresses intense, almost obsessive energy

  • hectically

    describes the messy, chaotic feel of many things at once

反義詞
  • calmly

    opposite emotional state, with no rush

  • slowly

    opposite pace, with no urgency

文法句型

verb + frantically

frantically + verb-ing

用法筆記

Common with action verbs of speed and effort (run, search, type, work, pack). Often paired with a clause that names the deadline or pressure causing the rush.

常見錯誤

❌He spoke frantically about the weather.
✅He spoke nervously about the storm warning.
💡'frantically' needs real urgency or physical activity, not calm conversation.

2. showing that strong fear, worry, or panic has made someone nearly lose control o

2.副詞B2
釋義

showing that strong fear, worry, or panic has made someone nearly lose control over their actions.

例句

Otis paced frantically up and down the hospital corridor while his mother was in surgery.

paced frantically + emotional context (worry)

Lan called her son's phone frantically after the school sent the emergency message.

called frantically + cause clause (after...)

同義詞
  • desperately

    very close in meaning; emphasises the hopeless edge of the action

  • wildly

    physical movement loses control; less about inner panic

  • hysterically

    stronger; suggests emotion has fully taken over (often crying or laughing)

反義詞
  • calmly

    in full control of one's emotions and movements

  • composedly

    formal; deliberately keeping emotions hidden

文法句型

verb + frantically

frantically + verb-ing

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense needs an emotional trigger (fear, worry, panic) rather than just time pressure. Often pairs with verbs of calling, waving, crying, digging, searching for a person.

常見錯誤

❌She studied frantically for the test.
✅She studied frantically after hearing she might fail the year.
💡pure deadline pressure fits sense 1; sense 2 needs real emotional fear, not normal stress.