Word of the Week: Frenetic
- Carrianne Dillon
- Jun 22, 2020
- 1 min read
To be frenetic, one must be fast and energetic in a wild and rather uncontrollable way.
Similar words include frantic or frenzied, but there is a bit of nuance that separates them. I'd describe 'frantic' as including panic or fear... or at least anxiety as opposed to just being energetic. 'Frenzied' I would differentiate by the amount of emotional control one exhibits. To me, 'frenzied' seems closer to the edge of cognitive madness than the high-energy excitement of 'frenetic'.
I love the idea that there exists exactly the right word for any given situation, but if you have to stop and explain it every time that can disrupt your flow. Perhaps the best advice is to be clear before clever when using words like these!
–C
I was sure the word of this week would be boogle.... or party.... of weasels! Maybe next week then, after a week of frenetic home project activity. :).