mad
/mæd/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Very angry. In informal speech, it can also mean upset or annoyed. In some contexts, it means mentally ill, but this use can sound rude.
- She was mad when I was late.
- Don't get mad over a small mistake.
- That comment sounds mad and unkind.
- 2.
Very enthusiastic about something. This is informal and often used in phrases like mad about or mad for.
- He's mad about football.
- I'm mad for spicy food.
- They are mad for the new series.
Adinary Nuance
Mad is less formal than angry, and often feels stronger or more emotional. It can sound casual in speech, while angry is the safer choice in writing and business English. Mad about also means 'very fond of', so the context matters a lot.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tức giận
- Spanish
- enojado
- Chinese
- 生气
- Japanese
- 怒っている
- Korean
- 화난
Etymology
Mad comes from Old English 'gemæd', meaning 'foolish' or 'insane'. Over time, it also developed the common meaning 'angry' in everyday English.
Common phrases
mad at someonemad about somethingmad with angergo mad
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is mad the same as angry?
- Often yes, but mad is more informal. Angry is better in formal writing.
- Can mad mean 'very interested in'?
- Yes. Mad about something means you like it very much.
- Is mad rude when describing a person?
- It can be, especially for mental illness. Use it carefully.
- What is the difference between mad and crazy?
- Mad can mean angry or enthusiastic. Crazy often means unreasonable, strange, or very excited.