chaotically

Everyday

In a very messy, confused and disorganised way, with no order. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and everyday life it describes busy, out-of-control scenes like a party or a classroom. In science, chaos theory studies systems that seem to change chaotically. Phrases: "run around chaotically", "chaotically organised".

Examples

• The puppies ran chaotically around the kitchen. tree →
• Toys were scattered chaotically across the floor. tree →
• The game ended chaotically when the ball went over the fence. tree →
• Traffic moved chaotically after the lights failed. tree →
• The crowd pushed chaotically towards the exit, which was dangerous. tree →

Note

Pronounced "kay-OT-ik-lee", with a hard k sound at the start. Adverbs from "-ic" adjectives end in "-ically": chaotic, chaotically. In an emergency it is safer to move calmly, not chaotically.