Cool MateKeep fixating on that vs Obsess
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Keep fixating on that
Top 2,000 (common)
Obsess
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Keep fixating on that
| Keep fixating on that | Obsess | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kiːp fɪkˈseɪtɪŋ ɒn ðæt//🇺🇸 //kip fɪkˈseɪtɪŋ ɑn ðæt// | 🇬🇧 /["/əbˈses/","/əbˈsesɪz/","/əbˈsest/","/əbˈsesɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əbˈses/","/əbˈsesɪz/","/əbˈsest/","/əbˈsesɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to continue thinking about something in a strong way | To think about something too much. |
| Example | You shouldn't keep fixating on that small mistake. | He's obsessed by computers. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | keep fixating on something, fixating on a problem, fixating on details | obsess over, obsess about, obsess with, obsessive thoughts, obsessive behavior |
| Antonyms | ignore, neglect, overlook | ignore, neglect |
| Common mistakes | 'Fixate' is often confused with 'focus'., Learners might say 'keep fixing on that' instead of 'keep fixating on that'., Mixing up tenses, using 'keeps fixated' instead of 'keep fixating'. | Using 'obsess' without an object, e.g., 'I obsess.', Confusing 'obsess' with 'possess'., Using 'obsess' in an overly dramatic way when it could be more neutral. |
| Usage notes | Use when discussing someone's persistent focus. Generally neutral but can imply negativity if overused. | Use 'obsess' in everyday conversation when discussing strong interest or fixation on something. Avoid in professional contexts unless discussing psychological conditions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Keep fixating on that vs Obsess
What's the difference between Keep fixating on that and Obsess?
Keep fixating on that: to continue thinking about something in a strong way Obsess: To think about something too much.
Which is more common: Keep fixating on that and Obsess?
Keep fixating on that is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Keep fixating on that: You shouldn't keep fixating on that small mistake. Obsess: He's obsessed by computers.
Can I use Keep fixating on that and Obsess interchangeably?
Not always. Keep fixating on that and Obsess are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.