neurotic
neurotic
Pronunciation
Here is the IPA phonetic spelling for "neurotic" broken down by syllable:
n(j)ʊəˈɹɒtɪk (The "n" and "j" in parentheses indicate that some speakers may include a slight "y" sound before the "n")
neu (n(j)ʊə) -
n (n) - alveolar nasal
(j) - palatal approximant (optional, depending on dialect)
u (ʊ) - near-back rounded close vowel
ə (ə) - schwa, mid central vowel
rot (ˈɹɒt) -
ɹ (ɹ) - alveolar approximant
ɒ (ɒ) - low back rounded vowel
ic (ɪk) -
ɪ (ɪ) - near-front near-close vowel
k (k) - velar plosive
Word Form Variations
"Neurotic" is primarily an adjective. Here are the word forms related to it:
Singular: neurotic
Plural: neurotics (simply adding an "s" to the singular form)
Comparative: more neurotic (used for comparing the level of neurosis between two things)
Superlative: most neurotic (used for comparing the level of neurosis between three or more things)
Adverb: neurotically (describes how something is done in a neurotic way)
Less common: There's a less common noun form, "neurotic," which refers to someone who exhibits neurotic behavior. This usage is not as widespread as the adjective form.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Prone to negative emotions and worries; easily agitated or anxious.
Synonyms: nervous, anxious, high-strung, tense, apprehensive, fretful, worrier
Antonyms: calm, collected, easygoing, relaxed, unflappable
Noun (Less Common):
Definition: A person who is habitually anxious, worried, or emotionally unstable.
Synonyms: Nervous Nellie (informal), worrywart (informal), fretter
Antonyms: calm person, easygoing person, unflappable person (informal)
Adverb:
Definition: In a way that is characterised by anxiety, worry, or emotional instability.
Synonyms: nervously, anxiously, high-strungly, tensely, apprehensively
Antonyms: calmly, collectedly, easily, relaxedly
Examples of Use
Literature:
"He was a man of nervous temperament, high-strung and neurotic" (F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby). (Here, "neurotic" describes Gatsby's anxious personality.)
Newspapers:
"The study linked social media use with increased feelings of anxiety and neurotic tendencies" (The New York Times, 2023). (This news article uses "neurotic tendencies" to describe a potential impact of social media.)
Online Publications:
"Tips for Managing Your Neurotic Pet: Calming Techniques for Anxious Animals" (Website: The Spruce Pets) (This website uses "neurotic" to describe pets with high anxiety levels.)
Entertainment Mediums:
In a sitcom scene, one character might jokingly say, "Don't be so neurotic about the party; everything will be fine!" ("Neurotic" is used playfully to highlight someone's tendency to over-worry.)
A movie character dealing with constant fear of failure could be described as "neurotic" by another character. (This describes a personality trait within the film's narrative.)
General Public Discourse:
"I get a little neurotic before presentations, but I take deep breaths to calm myself down." (Here, "neurotic" is used casually to describe temporary anxiety.)
"He's such a worrier, a real neurotic!" (This is a more informal way of describing someone's anxious personality.)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Neurotic
While "neurotic" is a commonly used word, it's not as frequent in famous quotes. Here are ten quotes that capture a similar essence to "neurotic" using different terms:
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote emphasises taking control of anxieties and shaping your own path, contrasting with a more passive, "neurotic" state.)
"Worry is a thin stream that carries us away from God." - Charles Spurgeon (Similar to how "neurotic" anxieties can be overwhelming, this quote highlights worry's ability to distract us from finding peace.)
"The only source of knowledge is experience." - Albert Einstein (This quote suggests a more proactive approach to life, contrasting with a "neurotic" tendency to dwell on worries.)
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt (This quote emphasizes facing challenges, contrasting with a "neurotic" tendency to avoid them.)
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela (This quote highlights resilience, contrasting with the tendency for "neurotic" behaviors to spiral after setbacks.)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (Similar to how "neurotic" thoughts can fuel anxieties, this quote emphasizes the power of positive self-talk.)
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire (This quote suggests a more open-minded approach, contrasting with the need for control often associated with "neurotic" behaviours.)
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein (This quote highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, contrasting with the repetitive anxieties sometimes associated with "neurotic" behaviours.)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do." - Mark Twain (This quote encourages taking action, contrasting with the paralysis that can come with "neurotic" anxieties.)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs (This quote emphasises pursuing passions, contrasting with the unfulfillment that can contribute to "neurotic" anxieties.)
Etymology
The word "neurotic" comes from the world of nerves! The first part, "neuro," comes from a Greek word meaning "nerve."
Around the mid-1600s, people started using "neurotic" to describe things related to the nerves, perhaps even nerve diseases. Back then, they didn't quite understand mental health the way we do today.
Then, by the late 1800s, the meaning of "neurotic" shifted. Doctors began using it to describe people who seemed to have problems with their nerves that caused anxiety, worry, and negative emotions. This fit with the original meaning of "nerve" because nerves are often involved in our stress responses.
So, "neurotic" went from a general term about nerves to a specific term about people who experience anxiety and worry!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Neurotic
Here are some phrases and idioms using the word "neurotic":
Be a bundle of nerves: This implies someone is extremely anxious or on edge. (Similar to "neurotic" but emphasises physical sensations of anxiety.)
Worry wart: This is a playful or informal term for someone who worries excessively. (More lighthearted alternative to "neurotic.")
Drive yourself crazy: This describes someone who worries themselves into a state of agitation. (Highlights the self-perpetuating nature of "neurotic" anxieties.)
High-strung: This describes someone who is easily agitated or excitable. (Focuses on the emotional aspect similar to "neurotic.")
Have a nervous breakdown: This refers to a sudden episode of extreme anxiety or emotional distress. (A more serious consequence of prolonged "neurotic" tendencies.)
Can't handle the pressure: This describes someone who crumbles under stressful situations. (Highlights the struggle with challenges that "neurotic" people might face.)
Obsessive compulsive: This is a clinical term describing a mental health condition characterised by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours. (A more specific term for severe "neurotic" tendencies.)
Clean freak: This describes someone with an extreme need for cleanliness and order. (A specific manifestation of "neurotic" anxieties related to control.)
Uptight: This describes someone who is overly strict or tense. (Focuses on the outward behaviour associated with "neurotic" anxieties.)
Wringing their hands: This is a physical expression of worry or anxiety. (Body language that can accompany "neurotic" behaviour.)
Posts Related to Neurotic
Source Information
Definition of neurotic from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.