student asking question

What does "pathological" mean? Is it a common word?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The word pathological is used to describe behavior that is often extreme, excessive or abnormal behavior. It isn't really a very common phrase. It is usually used in legal or psychological areas. It is only really used in general conversation for truly negative things as a kind of insult. Ex: Wow! You are a pathological liar. Ex: He lost all his savings because he is a pathological gambler.

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