like crazy
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: To an extreme or excessive degree; with very great intensity, speed, or effort.
Usage
This adverb is used to modify a verb, emphasizing that the action is performed with extreme vigor, intensity, or speed. It is informal and often hyperbolic.
Examples
- He had to work like crazy to finish the project on time.
- After the concert, fans were screaming like crazy.
- My heart was beating like crazy when I heard the news.
- We ran like crazy to catch the last bus.
Advanced Usage
- Intensifying Continuous Actions: Often used with verbs in the continuous form to emphasize ongoing, frantic effort or intensity.
- The machine was vibrating like crazy.
- Comparative Implication: While not a direct comparison, the phrase implies a level of intensity far beyond what is normal or expected.
Variants and Related Words
- Like mad: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- They were celebrating like mad after the victory.
Synonyms
- Like hell: (Very informal) With extreme effort or intensity.
- Furiously: In an extremely energetic or hurried manner.
- Wildly: In an uncontrolled, frantic, or extreme way.
Related Phrases
- Go crazy: To become very excited, angry, or mentally unstable.
- The crowd went crazy when the band appeared. (Note: This is a related verb phrase, not a variant of the adverb "like crazy").
Adverb
- with great speed or effort or intensity
- drove like crazy
- worked like hell to get the job done
- ran like sin for the storm cellar
- work like thunder
- fought like the devil