Reading Theme:
Spasmodic: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：intermittent and sudden (spasmodic)
spasmodic
/spæzˈmɒdɪk/
adj.
Describes something that happens in short, sudden, and irregular bursts, with pauses in between, not in a smooth or steady flow.
intermittent and sudden
➕
/ɪntərˈmɪtənt ənd ˈsʌdn̩/
adj.
Describing events or actions that occur in brief, irregular bursts with pauses, not continuously.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'spasmos' (spasm) + '-ic', meaning relating to spasms.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'spasm-odic' – like erratic odes of sudden twitches.
📖 Example
His spasmodic attempts to study were constantly interrupted by notifications from his phone.
His study efforts were sporadic and frequently disrupted by phone alerts.
🔗 Collocations
spasmodic movements – sudden, jerky motions
spasmodic laughter – bursts of laughter that are not continuous
spasmodic efforts – intermittent and inconsistent attempts
🔄 Synonyms
intermittent (adj.) – occurring at irregular intervals
sporadic (adj.) – scattered or isolated in occurrence
fitful (adj.) – irregular and unpredictable
🚫 Antonyms
steady (adj.) – constant and uninterrupted
continuous (adj.) – going on without stopping
🌱 Derivatives
spasm (n.) – a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction
spasmodically (adv.) – in a spasmodic manner
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Greek 'spasmos' (a spasm), from 'span' (to draw). Used in medical terminology since the 17th century for involuntary contractions.
Meaning 2：involuntary muscle contractions (spasmodic)
spasmodic
/spæzˈmɒdɪk/
adj.
Relating to or caused by a sudden, brief, and involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
involuntary muscle contractions
➕
/ɪnˈvɒləntəri ˈmʌsl kənˈtrækʃənz/
adj.
Pertaining to or caused by sudden, brief, and uncontrolled tightening of muscles.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After the long run, she experienced spasmodic cramps in her calf muscles.
She had sudden, involuntary cramps in her calf muscles after running.
🔗 Collocations
spasmodic pain – pain that comes in sudden, sharp bursts
spasmodic coughing – fits of coughing that are not continuous
spasmodic seizures – epileptic episodes characterized by muscle spasms
🔄 Synonyms
convulsive (adj.) – involving sudden, violent movements
jerky (adj.) – characterized by abrupt, irregular movements
involuntary (adj.) – not under conscious control
🚫 Antonyms
smooth (adj.) – even and without sudden movements
controlled (adj.) – regulated and deliberate
🌱 Derivatives
spasm (n.) – a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction
spasmodically (adv.) – in a spasmodic manner
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