frantically
gb/fɹˈæntɪkli/ us/fɹˈæntɪkli/
B2
English
kétségbeesetten, őrülten
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] [does something] frantically; frantically [verb]
She frantically searched her bag for her passport at the gate.
A kapunál kétségbeesetten kereste az útlevelét a táskájában.
He was frantically calling his sister when the storm knocked out the power.
Kétségbeesetten próbálta telefonon elérni a testvérét, amikor a vihar miatt elment az áram.
The children ran frantically toward the door when the alarm went off.
Learner examples
I looked frantically for my keys.
Kétségbeesetten kerestem a kulcsaimat.
She was frantically trying to catch the bus.
Kétségbeesetten próbálta elérni a buszt.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with “frankly” (meaning ‘honestly’). Also note the spelling: fran-ti-cal-ly.
Meaning
in a panicked, urgent way
Collocations
frantically search
|frantically look (for)
|frantically try
|frantically call
|frantically dial
|frantically wave
|frantically run
|frantically grab
|frantically pack
|frantically type
Synonyms
desperately (emphasizes lack of hope or strong need as well as urgency)
|
feverishly (suggests intense, nonstop effort, often at work)
|
wildly (can suggest uncontrolled movement, not always urgency)
Antonyms
calmly (without panic or strong anxiety)
|
methodically (in an organized, step-by-step way)
Themes
emotions
|urgency
|daily_life
Definition
in a very worried, rushed way
In a very hurried way that shows panic, fear, or strong anxiety, especially because time is short or a situation feels out of control.
C1
2
őrülten
B2
Usage pattern:
frantically + [adjective/participle]
I’ve been frantically busy all week and haven’t had time to call.
Egész héten őrülten elfoglalt voltam, és nem volt időm telefonálni.
They were frantically eager to finish before the deadline.
Eszeveszetten igyekeztek befejezni a munkát a határidő előtt.
He seemed frantically in love, texting her every few minutes.
Learner examples
We are frantically busy today.
Ma őrülten elfoglaltak vagyunk.
Common mistake:
This use is most natural with adjectives describing activity or emotion (e.g., busy, in love); it can sound odd with neutral adjectives (e.g., *frantically tall).
Meaning
extremely, with intense energy
Collocations
frantically busy
|frantically in love
|frantically excited
|frantically eager
|frantically optimistic
|frantically jealous
|frantically hoping
|frantically trying
|frantically working
|frantically waiting
Synonyms
extremely (neutral and common, without the sense of pressure)
|
intensely (emphasizes strength of feeling or focus)
|
madly (more informal; often about love or enthusiasm)
Antonyms
slightly (to a small degree)
|
mildly (not strongly or intensely)
Themes
intensifiers
|emotions
|work
Definition
extremely; very much
To an extreme degree, often suggesting restless energy or pressure rather than literal panic.
Grammar
Dictionary form
frantically
IPA
GB/fɹˈæntɪkli/
US/fɹˈæntɪkli/
Syllables & stress
frantic - ally (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (frantic)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: frantically
- Plural: franticallies
Word family
Expressions
call frantically
1/kˈɔl fɹˈæntɪkli/
fixed phrase
call repeatedly in panic
call someone again and again because you are worried
Examples
- He called frantically when he couldn’t reach her all afternoon.
- My mom was calling frantically after she heard about the accident.
- The manager called frantically for tech support during the outage.
Learner examples
- I called frantically when I lost my child in the store.
frantically busy
1/fɹˈæntɪkli bˈɪzi/
fixed phrase
extremely busy and stressed
very busy and rushed
Examples
- Sorry I didn’t reply—I’ve been frantically busy at work.
- The team is frantically busy preparing for the product launch.
- She was frantically busy all morning and skipped lunch.
Learner examples
- I’m frantically busy this week.
search frantically (for [something/someone])
1/sˈɚt͡ʃ fɹˈæntɪkli fɚ səmˈɛθɪŋsˈoʊmˈoʊn/
fixed phrase
search in panic and hurry
look for something very quickly and worriedly
Examples
- He searched frantically for his wallet before the train arrived.
- They searched frantically for the missing dog in the park.
- I searched frantically through my emails for the address.
Learner examples
- She searched frantically for her phone.
try frantically to [do something]
1/tɹˈaɪ fɹˈæntɪkli tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
make urgent desperate attempts
try very hard and in a hurry
Examples
- She tried frantically to restart her laptop before the presentation.
- I was trying frantically to remember the code for the door.
- They tried frantically to stop the leak with towels.
Learner examples
- He tried frantically to find a taxi.