Definition

In a way that shows a lot of worry or fear, often because something urgent is happening.

Example

She searched frantically for her lost keys before the meeting started.

Conversation

I saw you looking around frantically at the party last night.

Yeah, I was searching for my phone everywhere!

I thought you lost it for good, but I found it under the couch.

Thank goodness! I was frantically thinking about how to replace it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Frantically → It is formed from "frantic" (from Latin *franticus*, meaning mad or frenzied) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "frantically" describes doing something in a mad or frenzied manner.

Memory Tip

Think of acting in a 'mad' way ('frantic') and doing it 'in a manner of' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'frantically' means to act in a frenzied way.

Visually Confused Words