feverish

USAGE SUMMARY

"feverish" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe a person, thing, or situation that is abnormally hot, extremely excited, or very eager. Example sentence: She was feverish with anticipation as the day of the party drew closer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is even the syrup of choice for feverish toddlers because it brings down temperatures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Moscow talks come as Athens scrambles to deal with a credit crunch that has sparked feverish speculation of an imminent default.

The Guardian

Everyone appreciates effort so if men do appear to melt before her, I think it's probably because they can see the feverish lengths she is going to, to look as if she fancies them, and the ludicrousness of it melts their hearts a little bit, even Sugar's.

The Guardian

Back at the bridge, a feverish team of the old and young – a punk next to a bespectacled student – were tying together sandbags, building up a thick wall of them at the Schillergarten restaurant.

The Guardian

If you thought that the debate following the Charlie Hebdo killings had exhausted the media and literary world's reserves of feverish self-examination, brace yourself for another round.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the report, Vasudevan notes: "[Some] areas are witnessing destruction of coastal wetlands at a feverish pitch through incessant dumping of debris.

The Guardian

7.07am: The overhaul of constituency boundaries that has got the Westminster village hyperventilating was promised by the Tories and Lib Dems in opposition amid the feverish fall-out of the expenses crisis.

The Guardian

The contrast of ancient ritual with feverish modernisation is the story of modern Macau: the story of development transforming a once-sheltered nook.Macau's stunning economic boom 2004 saw its GDP grow by 28%—has been powered by gambling, tourism and the construction necessary to support such endeavours.

The Economist

Which route it will take is the subject of feverish speculation.Proton was set up by the government in 1983 and started building cars two years later in association with Mitsubishi of Japan.

The Economist

The event does not explicitly surface in the novel, but it adds a grave sadness to Mr Grossman's searching account of the psychological and physical costs of a seemingly endless state of war".To the End of the Land" follows the course of the feverish state of Israel in the lives of its three main characters.

The Economist

When America then bombed them from power in 9/11's feverish aftermath, they reconvened either side of Afghanistan's rugged border with Pakistan, and started a new holy war.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feverish" to describe a situation, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to literal activity or metaphorical excitement. For example, "a feverish debate" implies intense discussion, not literal illness.

Common error

Avoid using "feverish" in highly formal or academic writing when describing physical symptoms. Instead, opt for more clinical terms like "febrile" or "pyretic" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "feverish" primarily functions to describe a state of elevated body temperature or, metaphorically, a state of intense excitement or activity. Ludwig AI supports this, providing examples of both literal and figurative usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feverish" is a versatile adjective used to describe both a physical state of having a fever and a metaphorical state of intense excitement or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward formal when discussing medical conditions and informal when describing excitement. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear, and consider synonyms like "febrile" or "hectic" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With its high frequency and varied applications, "feverish" remains a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fevered

Similar in meaning, but can also describe something characterized by fever, or intense emotion.

febrile

More formal and clinical, specifically related to fever.

frenzied

Implies wild, uncontrolled excitement or activity.

hectic

Suggests a state of great activity and excitement, often disorganized.

intense

Describes a high degree of emotion or activity.

excited

A general term for feeling enthusiastic and eager.

passionate

Suggests strong feelings and enthusiasm.

animated

Full of life, excitement, and enthusiasm.

agitated

Expresses a state of anxiety and restlessness.

restless

Suggests an inability to stay still or quiet, often due to anxiety.

FAQs

How to use "feverish" in a sentence?

You can use "feverish" to describe someone having a fever, such as "She felt feverish and decided to stay home". It can also describe intense excitement or activity, like "The market experienced a feverish surge after the announcement".

What can I say instead of "feverish"?

You can use alternatives like "febrile" when referring to a medical condition, or "hectic" or "frenzied" to describe a state of intense activity or excitement depending on the context.

Which is correct, "feverish" or "fevered"?

Both "feverish" and "fevered" are correct, but "feverish" is more commonly used. "Fevered" often suggests a state characterized by intense emotion or excitement, while "feverish" can refer to both physical fever and intense excitement.

What's the difference between "feverish" and "enthusiastic"?

"Feverish" implies a more intense, sometimes frantic, level of excitement or activity than "enthusiastic". While enthusiastic describes positive eagerness, "feverish" suggests a heightened, potentially uncontrolled state.