Words / A2

MAD/mæd/

Mad means very angry, or not sensible: mad about the delay, a mad idea, drive someone mad. Angry is the everyday cousin for the feeling; mad is stronger and more informal in British English. Crazy is a cousin for the “not sensible” sense. Calm is a useful opposite. Do not write mad when you mean made (past of make), or mud.

Meaning

Very angry, or not sensible.

Examples

• “She was mad about the cancelled train.”
• “Mum was mad when we missed the last bus on purpose.”
• “It is a mad plan to walk to the airport with that case.”

Good to know

mad about / a mad idea. Cousin: angry. Mix-up: made.

Near in meaning

angry

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