Word of the Day: Neurotic (adjective)
Possible Meanings:
- Exhibiting a general state of nervous tension and anxiety, with a tendency to overreact to minor stresses.
- (In psychology, less common) Relating to neurosis, a historical term for a type of mental disorder characterized by anxiety, phobias, and obsessions.
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Example Sentences:
- He had a neurotic habit of biting his nails whenever he felt stressed. (Explanation: Neurotic describes his anxious behavior manifested in a specific habit.)
- Her neurotic fear of public speaking made it difficult for her to give presentations at work. (Explanation: Here, neurotic describes her intense anxiety related to a specific situation.)
- (Less common): Sigmund Freud’s theories focused on the treatment of neurotic disorders. (Explanation: Neurotic refers to a historical term in psychology.)
Important Note:
The term “neurosis” is less commonly used in modern psychology. However, “neurotic” is still used in everyday language to describe someone who is easily anxious or stressed.
Conversation Example:
Person 1: “I can’t believe I have to give a presentation tomorrow. I’m so nervous!”
Person 2: “Don’t worry, everyone gets nervous before presentations. Just try to relax and focus on your material. Maybe some deep breathing exercises will help your neurotic tendencies.” (Explanation: Neurotic is used in a casual way to describe her nervousness.)
Can you use neurotic in a sentence of your own? Share your example in the comments below.