Frantic/Frenetic & Eager/Anxious
Mildred from Kalkaska
asked about the difference between frantic and frenetic. Both are practically
synonyms (Merriam-Webster defines frenetic as frantic), but there are shades of
difference in meaning. Both describe hyperactivity resulting from the pressure
of an event or a deadline. To my mind, frantic is a bit more negative and
emotional. It verges on loss of control. Frenetic, on the other hand, seems to
signify a degree of control, however tenuous. Rescuers become frantic as the
hours roll on after an earthquake, so they engage in frenetic activity.
Frenetic pairs with frenzied, and frantic pairs with desperate.
Frenetic tracks back to
a Greek word meaning a delirious mind. It was originally a medical condition.
Frantic is connected to the same Greek word. The insanity part has been diluted
through the centuries.
Peter from Traverse City
commented on the difference between eager and anxious. He asked if I was
anxious for golf season to begin, then quickly changed it to eager. Of the two,
anxious is more negative and stressful, based as it is on the word anxiety. It
comes from a Latin word meaning to strangle, which would certainly cause
distress and apprehension. Eager means filled with positive desire, keenly
anticipating something imminent. It comes from an Anglo-Norman word that meant impatiently
desirous. So I am eager for golf to begin again, but anxious that my worsening arthritis
may make my game even more wretched than it has been.
Listen to Mike’s program in real
time every Tuesday morning, 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. EST, by going to wtcmradio.com
and clicking on Listen Now. You’ll
also find some podcasts there under The Ron Jolly Show.
Comments