obsessive
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əbˈsɛsɪv/
KK: /əbˈsɛsɪv/
adjective
Definition
Having an excessive or unreasonable preoccupation with something or someone.
Example
His obsessive focus on perfection made it hard for him to finish projects.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more obsessive
Superlative: most obsessive
Conversation
Have you noticed how some people can be a bit obsessive about their hobbies?
Definitely! It's like they can't think about anything else.
Right? I mean, I love painting, but I try not to be obsessive about it.
That’s a good approach — balance is key!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fixated
preoccupied
fanatical
Antonyms
indifferent
unconcerned
apathetic
noun
Definition
A person who has an excessive preoccupation or fixation on something, often to the point of it interfering with their daily life.
Example
He is an obsessive about cleanliness, spending hours cleaning his house every day.
Conversation
Have you ever met someone who is a bit obsessive about their hobbies?
Yeah, my friend spends all his time building model airplanes.
It's interesting how some people can be such obsessive perfectionists.
Root Explanation
Obsessive → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning against or over) and "sedere" (meaning to sit). The word describes a state of being where thoughts or behaviors sit heavily over a person, leading to an overwhelming preoccupation.
Memory Tip
Think of thoughts that 'sit over' ('ob-') someone, making them unable to focus on anything else — that's what obsessive means.
Visually Confused Words
possessive
bessie