French Conversation · Level 71
60 words
French word
hystérique
Pronunciation
IPA/isteʁik/
Meaning
- adjectivehysterical
Example
Elle devient hystérique quand on critique son travail.
She gets hysterical when her work is criticized.
More examples
Le public est devenu hystérique pendant le concert.
The audience became overemotional during the concert.
Core concept
An ordinary event becomes an outward emotional storm that is far larger than the event itself.
Common phrases
réaction hystérique
overemotional reaction
comportement hystérique
overemotional behavior
Similar words
émotif: Emotionally sensitive, with feelings of joy or sorrow readily shown outwardly.
théâtral: Expressing emotion through exaggerated gestures and a showy manner.
agité: Restless and unable to remain calm or still.
exagéré: Presenting facts or feelings as greater than they really are.
Definition in French
Qui exprime une réaction émotionnelle exagérée et difficile à maîtriser.
Word origin
French hystérique developed from a medical adjective based on Greek hystera, womb, through Latin hystericus, before acquiring its broader modern sense of extreme emotional reaction.
Usage tips
- In French, hystérique normally carries a critical or negative tone rather than the comic meaning that hysterical may have in English.