hysterical
/hɪˈstɛɹɪkəl/
Group 28Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Deriving from or affected by uncontrolled extreme emotion; extremely funny GRE
Example in Context
The hysterical reaction to the announcement—panic buying, hoarding, and runs on banks—far exceeded what the actual situation warranted.
Synonyms
wildly emotionalfrantichilarious
Etymology
Originally linked to emotional disturbances in women, now also means extremely funny.
- hystera (Greek) — womb
Memory Aid
😂Sounds like “mystical”
When a mystical wizard accidentally turns his hair into spaghetti, it’s HYSTERICALLY funny!
Visual Association
🤣A wizard slipping on his own spaghetti hair, causing everyone around to burst into hysterical laughter.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “hysterical” mean on the GRE?
hysterical (adjective) means “Deriving from or affected by uncontrolled extreme emotion; extremely funny”. The hysterical reaction to the announcement—panic buying, hoarding, and runs on banks—far exceeded what the actual situation warranted.
How to remember “hysterical” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “hysterical” sounds like “mystical”. When a mystical wizard accidentally turns his hair into spaghetti, it’s HYSTERICALLY funny!
What are synonyms for “hysterical”?
Common synonyms: wildly emotional, frantic, hilarious.