obsessive
uhb-SEHS-ihv
Obsessive (adj) means showing an extreme, excessive focus on one thing, often in an unhealthy way. Example: “His obsessive attention to detail made him a great editor but a difficult roommate.”
adj
1
Showing an extreme, excessive focus on one thing, often in an unhealthy way.
"His obsessive attention to detail made him a great editor but a difficult roommate."
"She kept obsessive records of every penny she spent."
noun
1
A person who is fixated on something to an extreme degree.
"True crime obsessives flooded the forum with theories."
How to use obsessive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFixated on something to an extreme or unhealthy degree.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
obsessive behaviour
obsessive fan
obsessive attention to detail
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Word forms
- Plural
- obsessives
- Comparative
- more obsessive
- Superlative
- most obsessive
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His _____ attention to detail made him a great editor but a difficult roommate.
Etymology
From "obsess" plus the adjective suffix "-ive".
Synonyms
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obsessional
Rhymes for obsessive
See all rhymes for obsessive →Frequently asked questions
What does “obsessive” mean?
The word “obsessive” means showing an extreme, excessive focus on one thing, often in an unhealthy way. In plain terms, fixated on something to an extreme or unhealthy degree.
How do you pronounce “obsessive”?
“Obsessive” is pronounced uhb-SEHS-ihv (/əbˈsɛs.ɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “obsessive” in a sentence?
Here is “obsessive” used in a sentence: “His obsessive attention to detail made him a great editor but a difficult roommate.”
What part of speech is “obsessive”?
Depending on how it is used, “obsessive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “obsessive” a common word?
“Obsessive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “obsessive” have?
“Obsessive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing an extreme, excessive focus on one thing, often in an unhealthy way.
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