hectic

/ˈhektɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhektɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhek-tik/ (ame, mw)

hectic — adjective

  • hecticpositive
  • more hecticcomparative
  • most hecticsuperlative

1. describing a time, place, or situation where many things happen quickly, so peop

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing a time, place, or situation where many things happen quickly, so people feel rushed and there is little calm or order.

例句

By noon, the emergency room was hectic with new patients and ringing phones.

predicative use after linking verb: be hectic

Anjali had a hectic week of school shows, piano lessons, and dentist visits.

attributive use: hectic + time noun

同義詞
  • busy

    broader and milder; does not necessarily suggest stress or confusion

  • frantic

    stronger; stresses panicked speed or loss of control in people's actions

  • chaotic

    stronger on disorder; may suggest confusion even without a rushed pace

  • rushed

    focuses on not having enough time, especially for people or schedules

反義詞
  • calm

    focuses on the absence of pressure, noise, or rushing

  • orderly

    emphasises that things are arranged and controlled

  • relaxed

    describes an easy pace without tension or hurry

用法筆記

Usually describes a period, place, event, or schedule rather than a person's personality. It suggests more pressure and confusion than simply saying something is busy.

常見錯誤

❌My manager is hectic today.
✅My manager is busy today.' / 'The office is hectic today.
💡'hectic' usually describes a situation, time, or place, not a person directly.
❌It was a very busy and hectic day.
✅It was a hectic day.
💡'hectic' already includes the idea of being very busy, so using both often sounds repetitive.