adjective / adverb
mad
Beyond ordinary restraint or sensible judgment.
Taking that icy shortcut without any gear is a mad gamble.
Etymology
The older adjective concerned impaired judgment or an unsound mind. It broadened to actions and enthusiasm that seem to exceed ordinary restraint or sensible limits.
More examples
- She has a mad passion for vintage motorcycles.
- We make a mad dash for the last train.
- Those concert tickets are mad expensive.
Forms
mad · madder · maddest
madly adverb — With extreme enthusiasm, intensity, or recklessness.
Similar words
- reckless
- Emphasizes disregard for danger rather than enthusiasm or intensity.
- wild
- Emphasizes uncontrolled energy without necessarily implying poor judgment.
- foolish
- Emphasizes poor judgment without suggesting frantic energy or enthusiasm.