hyper-

hyper- — prefix

1. added to the start of an adjective or noun to mean that the quality named is pre

1.字首C1
釋義

added to the start of an adjective or noun to mean that the quality named is present in an extreme or excessive amount, more than is normal or healthy.

例句

Doctors warned Élise that hyper-tension could damage her heart over time.

hyper- + noun, medical context: excessive amount

After three coffees, Tyler became hyper-alert and could not sit still in the meeting.

hyper- + adjective: excessive degree

同義詞
  • over-

    everyday register; neutral and very productive (overworked, overpriced).

  • super-

    often positive (superhero, superfast); hyper- leans negative or clinical.

  • ultra-

    emphasises extreme degree along a scale (ultra-modern, ultra-thin); less tied to excess as a problem.

反義詞
  • hypo-

    scientific opposite meaning too little of a quality (hypothermia, hypoglycaemia).

  • sub-

    below normal level (subnormal, subzero); broader and more neutral than hypo-.

文法句型

hyper- + adjective/noun

用法筆記

Frequently joined with a hyphen in newer or informal combinations (hyper-aware, hyper-local); spelled solid in established medical or scientific terms (hypertension, hyperactive, hyperventilate). Distinguish from prefix super- (which often signals positive excellence) and over- (everyday register, neutral).

常見錯誤

❌I am hyper today.
✅I feel hyperactive today.
💡when speaking informally about a person's energy, use the full adjective hyperactive, not the bare prefix.
❌hypertraffic on the road
✅heavy traffic on the road.
💡hyper- attaches to qualities or states, not to ordinary mass nouns like traffic, rain, or noise.

hyper- — adjective