rabid - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
rabid Word Meanings
- extremely angry or furious
- having or showing a violent and uncontrolled intensity
- infected with rabies.
rabid Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
rabid Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈræb.ɪd/
US
/ˈræb.ɪd/
rabid Word Etymology
rabid = rabies (Latin, 'madness') + -id (suffix indicating condition). The term evolved from Latin to Old French 'rabieux' before entering English. Imagine a rabid dog foaming at the mouth, a vivid symbol of uncontrollable anger and madness, connecting back to its roots of insanity.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
rabid is a vivid English adjective that signals extreme, out of control intensity. It can describe people, behavior, or passions that are violent or vehement, and it is often used metaphorically rather than literally to refer to emotions. The literal sense ties to rabies, the deadly disease, which is why the image of a foaming, out-of-control animal emerges in learners' minds. When you say someone has a rabid fan base or a rabid appetite, you mean that their enthusiasm is intense and sometimes unreasonable. Avoid overusing it with everyday anger; reserve it for situations that feel dangerous or absurdly intense.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Remember rabid is metaphorical most of the time, not a disease sense. 2) Use with fans or enthusiasm, not for mild irritation. 3) Pair with nouns that show extreme intensity, like rabid appetite or rabid criticism. 4) Avoid in formal writing; reserve for informal, vivid speech. 5) Learn the collocations and don’t invent new ones. 6) Compare with similar words like furious, fanatical, or obsessive to convey nuances.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing rabid with the disease rabies in all contexts
- Using rabid to describe mild anger or everyday frustration
- Thinking it is a neutral compliment like passionate
- Confusing the noun rabies with the adjective rabid
- Using rabid in formal academic writing
Thinking Differences
To English speakers, rabid signals intensity and fanaticism more than illness; learners often confuse it with neutral words like passionate. Collocations like rabid fan or rabid enthusiasm carry a strong negative or hyperbolic tone, so you should check the context and audience before using it.
Learning Tips
- Learn 3 main senses: extreme anger, extreme intensity, and disease-related sense
- Memorize common collocations like rabid fan, rabid enthusiasm, and rabid opposition
- Practice distinguishing literal vs figurative usage with quick context checks
- Compare with synonyms: furious, fanatical, obsessive to see nuances
- Avoid overuse in formal writing; reserve for vivid, informal prose
- Listen for tone cues in media to spot hyperbolic usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'rabid'?
A.Happy
B.Extremely violent
C.Enthusiastic
D.Angry
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'rabid' used correctly?
A.He was a rabid fan of the show.
B.She felt rabid after receiving the gift.
C.The puppy had rabid energy.
D.The teacher was rabid with the students.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'rabid'?
A.Calm
B.Furious
C.Moderate
D.Agreeable
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'rabid'?
A.Vicious
B.Crazed
C.Passionate
D.Lethargic
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would 'rabid' be used?
A.Detailing a relaxing vacation
B.Describing a peaceful garden
C.Talking about a fun party
D.Discussing a fierce sports rivalry
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