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B1 adverb 12 min read

frénétiquement

Examples frénétiquement in 30 Seconds
Explanation frénétiquement in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'frénétiquement' is a very advanced word that you probably won't use yet. However, you can think of it as 'very, very, very fast' and 'with a lot of energy.' Imagine a person who is very excited or very stressed. In English, we say 'frantically.' In French, we often use 'vite' (fast) or 'très vite' (very fast). 'Frénétiquement' is like 'très vite' but with a lot of emotion. For example, if you are dancing at a party and you are moving your arms everywhere, you are dancing 'frénétiquement.' At this level, just try to recognize the word. It ends in '-ment,' which is like '-ly' in English. This tells you it is an adverb—a word that describes how you do an action. If you see it, look for the verb next to it to understand what is happening in a wild way.
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At the A2 level, you are learning more adverbs that end in '-ment.' You know 'lentement' (slowly) and 'heureusement' (fortunately). 'Frénétiquement' follows this rule. It comes from the adjective 'frénétique.' You use it when someone is doing something in a way that looks a bit 'crazy' or 'wild.' For example: 'Il cherche ses clés frénétiquement' (He is looking for his keys frantically). This is a great word to use in a simple story to show that a character is stressed. It is much more descriptive than just saying 'il est stressé.' It shows the *action* of the stress. Remember that in French, we put this long word after the verb. Practice saying it slowly: fré-né-ti-que-ment. It has five syllables!
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At the B1 level, you should start using 'frénétiquement' to add flavor to your speaking and writing. This word is perfect for describing scenes of high activity or emotional intensity. It's not just about speed; it's about the *nature* of the movement. It implies a loss of calm. You might use it to describe a busy kitchen ('Les cuisiniers s'activaient frénétiquement'), a crowded street, or someone's reaction to bad news. At this level, you should also distinguish it from 'rapidement.' While 'rapidement' is neutral and efficient, 'frénétiquement' is chaotic and emotional. Using this word correctly shows that you understand the 'mood' of a situation, which is a key skill for B1 learners. It's often found in 'faits divers' (news snippets) or intermediate-level novels.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances of 'frénétiquement.' You understand that it can have both positive and negative connotations. It can describe the 'frénétique' applause of an appreciative audience or the 'frénétique' search of a desperate person. You should also be aware of its placement in complex sentences. For instance, in the 'plus-que-parfait,' you might say: 'Il avait cherché frénétiquement son portefeuille avant de réaliser qu'il l'avait laissé dans la voiture.' You can also use it to describe abstract concepts, like the 'frénétique' pace of modern life ('le rythme frénétique de la vie citadine'). At this level, you should be able to compare it with synonyms like 'fébrilement' (feverishly) and explain why one is better than the other in a specific context.
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At the C1 level, 'frénétiquement' becomes a tool for stylistic precision. You use it to create a specific rhythm in your prose. Because it is a long, dactylic word, it can slow down the sentence while describing something fast—a beautiful linguistic paradox. You might explore its use in literary analysis, discussing how an author uses 'le style frénétique' to reflect a character's descent into madness or their overwhelming passion. You should also be familiar with its etymological roots in Greek medicine ('phrenitis'), which adds a layer of 'mental agitation' to your understanding. At this level, you can use it in professional contexts, such as describing market volatility or intense periods of research and development, with full awareness of its dramatic weight.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'frénétiquement.' You know how to use it ironically or hyperbolically to add wit to your conversation. You are also aware of its historical literary context, such as the 'romantisme frénétique' of the 1830s in France, a sub-genre of Romanticism that embraced the macabre and the extreme. You can use the word to describe subtle shifts in atmosphere—how a calm situation can suddenly turn 'frénétique.' Your placement of the adverb is always natural, often using it to balance a long sentence or to provide a sharp, descriptive end to a paragraph. You can distinguish the finest shades of meaning between 'frénétiquement,' 'éperdument,' 'éperduement' (archaic), and 'passionnément,' choosing the exact word that fits the register and the emotional truth of the moment.
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Examples

frénétiquement in 30 Seconds

  • Frénétiquement means 'frantically' or 'wildly' in French, describing high-energy, often agitated actions.
  • It is a B1-level adverb derived from 'frénétique,' used for both physical movements and psychological states.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'chercher' (to search), 'danser' (to dance), or 'travailler' (to work).
  • It adds a dramatic, emotional layer to sentences, distinguishing it from simple words like 'rapidement' (quickly).

The French adverb frénétiquement is a high-intensity word that translates to 'frantically,' 'wildly,' or 'frenetically' in English. It describes an action performed with an almost uncontrollable energy, often bordering on agitation, delirium, or extreme excitement. While it can imply a negative state—such as panic or stress—it is frequently used in French to describe passion, intense artistic creation, or vigorous physical movement. To understand this word, one must visualize the 'frénésie' (frenzy) that drives the action. It is not merely 'quickly' (vite); it is 'quickly and with a sense of urgent, perhaps chaotic, purpose.'

Core Meaning
The adverb denotes a state of agitation where the subject is acting without restraint or with a feverish intensity. It stems from the Greek 'phrenitis,' relating to a delirium of the mind.

Les supporters applaudissaient frénétiquement après le but de la victoire.

In a professional context, you might hear this word when describing a market crash or a sudden surge in activity. For instance, 'Les courtiers vendaient leurs actions frénétiquement' (The brokers were selling their shares frantically). In literature, it is a favorite for authors like Victor Hugo or Émile Zola to describe the pulse of a city or the heartbeat of a lover. It captures a moment where logic is momentarily suspended in favor of raw, kinetic energy. It is important to distinguish it from 'activement' (actively), which is purposeful and controlled. Frénétiquement suggests that the action is taking over the person, rather than the person simply performing the action.

Emotional Resonance
It carries a weight of obsession. When someone searches for their keys 'frénétiquement,' they are likely sweating, tossing cushions, and breathing heavily. It is a physical manifestation of internal pressure.

Elle cherchait son passeport frénétiquement dans son sac à main avant l'embarquement.

Visual Imagery
Imagine a pianist's hands during a complex Liszt concerto or a crowd at a rock concert. The movement is blurred, high-speed, and relentless.

Le vent secouait frénétiquement les volets de la vieille maison pendant la tempête.

Historically, the concept of 'frénésie' was linked to medical conditions involving brain inflammation. While the modern usage is metaphorical, it retains that sense of 'mental heat.' If you use this word, you are signaling that the action is not routine. It is an exception to the normal pace of life. Use it when 'vite' (fast) or 'fort' (strong/loud) isn't enough to convey the desperation or the overwhelming passion of the moment. It is particularly effective in writing to increase the 'tension' of a scene, making the reader feel the character's heart rate rising.

Mastering the use of frénétiquement requires an understanding of French adverbial syntax and the specific verbs it most naturally complements. Because it is a multi-syllabic adverb (five syllables: fré-né-ti-que-ment), its placement can affect the musicality of a sentence. In French, adverbs of manner typically follow the verb they modify. For example, in the present tense: 'Il travaille frénétiquement' (He works frantically). When using compound tenses like the *passé composé*, the placement can vary. While short adverbs like 'bien' or 'mal' go between the auxiliary and the participle, longer adverbs like 'frénétiquement' are often placed at the end to avoid breaking the flow: 'Il a travaillé frénétiquement toute la nuit.'

With Verbs of Movement
Verbs like 'agiter' (to wave/shake), 'courir' (to run), and 'danser' (to dance) are natural partners. 'Il agitait frénétiquement les bras pour attirer l'attention.'

Les enfants couraient frénétiquement dans le jardin dès que la cloche a sonné.

Beyond physical movement, it applies to cognitive or communicative actions. One can 'réfléchir frénétiquement' (to think frantically) when faced with a crisis, or 'écrire frénétiquement' when inspiration strikes. This highlights the word's versatility; it transitions seamlessly from the physical realm to the psychological. When used with 'parler,' it suggests a rapid-fire, almost incoherent stream of speech: 'Elle parlait frénétiquement, sans même s'arrêter pour respirer.' This usage paints a vivid picture of the speaker's state of mind—likely anxious or overly excited.

The 'Frantic' Search
Perhaps the most common everyday usage involves searching. 'Chercher frénétiquement' implies a loss of composure. 'J'ai cherché mes clés frénétiquement pendant dix minutes.'

Le journaliste tapait frénétiquement sur son clavier pour finir son article avant l'heure limite.

Artistic and Passionate Usage
In the context of music or art, it describes a performance that is full of vigor. 'Il jouait du violon frénétiquement, les cordes semblaient prêtes à rompre.'

One must also consider the negative space: when *not* to use it. Do not use 'frénétiquement' for a simple high speed that is controlled and professional. A race car driver drives 'très vite' or 'avec précision,' but they only drive 'frénétiquement' if they have lost control or are in a desperate state of panic. The word always carries a hint of the 'irrational.' It is the difference between a brisk walk and a panicked sprint. By choosing this word, you are adding a layer of drama to your French that 'vite' simply cannot provide. It is a word of extremes, suitable for the climaxes of your stories or the most stressful moments of your day.

While frénétiquement might seem like a literary term, it is surprisingly prevalent in modern French media, especially in news reporting and cultural commentary. In the world of finance, French journalists often use it to describe the 'frenzy' of the stock market. You will hear phrases like 'Les investisseurs ont racheté des titres frénétiquement' (Investors frantically bought back shares). This usage highlights a collective behavior that is driven more by instinct and fear (or greed) than by calm calculation. Similarly, in sports journalism, a team that is desperately trying to score in the final minutes of a match will be described as attacking 'frénétiquement.'

In French Cinema and TV
Scriptwriters use the word to set the stage for actors. In a script, you might see 'Il fouille frénétiquement dans les tiroirs.' It signals to the actor that the scene requires high energy and visible stress.

À l'écran, on voyait la foule s'agiter frénétiquement devant les portes du magasin.

In literature, from the 19th-century classics to modern thrillers, the word is a staple. It is used to describe the heartbeat of a character in love or in fear. 'Son cœur battait frénétiquement' is a classic trope. In more contemporary settings, you might find it in a blog post about 'la vie parisienne,' describing the way people rush into the Métro. It captures the essence of modern 'over-stimulation.' When a French person uses this word in conversation, they are often being slightly hyperbolic to emphasize how busy or stressed they were. 'J'ai dû tout préparer frénétiquement en deux heures !'

In the World of Fashion and Art
During Fashion Week (La Semaine de la Mode), the backstage atmosphere is often described as 'une activité frénétique.' Designers and models move frénétiquement to ensure everything is perfect before the runway.

Les photographes mitraillaient frénétiquement la star à sa sortie de l'hôtel.

Finally, it appears in academic and psychological discourses. A 'mouvement frénétique' might be analyzed in a sociology paper discussing the pace of urban life or the behaviors of crowds during a revolution. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physiological (the racing heart) and the social (the racing crowd). Whether you are reading a high-brow novel, watching a fast-paced 'polar' (detective movie), or listening to a frantic radio report about a strike in Paris, 'frénétiquement' is the word that provides the pulse of the narrative. It is the linguistic equivalent of a double espresso—it adds heat, speed, and a touch of chaos to whatever it describes.

For English speakers learning French, the biggest mistake with frénétiquement is often its misapplication as a simple synonym for 'quickly.' While 'frantically' and 'quickly' are related, they are not interchangeable. Using 'frénétiquement' to describe a professional athlete running a planned race would be odd, as it implies a lack of control or a desperate state. A runner runs 'rapidement' or 'à toute allure.' They only run 'frénétiquement' if they are being chased by a bear or have lost their mind. Understanding the 'emotional' requirement of the word is key to sounding natural.

Spelling and Suffix Confusion
A common error is forgetting the 'é' accents or the '-ique-' syllable. Some students might try to say 'frénétement,' which is incorrect. The adverb must be built from the feminine form of the adjective 'frénétique.' Since 'frénétique' ends in 'e,' the suffix '-ment' is added directly.

Faux: Il cherchait frénétement ses clés.
Vrai: Il cherchait frénétiquement ses clés.

Another mistake involves the 'False Friend' trap. In some contexts, English speakers use 'frantic' to mean 'worried.' While there is overlap, in French, if you want to say someone is worried, you should use 'inquiet' or 'angoissé.' 'Frénétiquement' describes the *action* resulting from the worry, not the internal feeling itself. You wouldn't say 'Je me sens frénétiquement' (I feel frantically); you would say 'Je m'agite frénétiquement' (I am moving about frantically). The adverb modifies a verb of action or state, not a feeling directly.

Overuse in Casual Speech
Because it is a long, expressive word, overusing it can make your speech sound overly dramatic or 'theatrical.' In casual French, it's often better to use 'dans tous les sens' (in all directions/all over the place) or 'comme un dératé' (like someone without a spleen—an idiom for very fast/hard).

Évitez de dire 'Il mange frénétiquement' si vous voulez juste dire qu'il a faim. Utilisez plutôt 'Il mange goulûment'.

Lastly, be careful with the placement in negative sentences. 'Il ne travaille pas frénétiquement' is correct, but because 'frénétiquement' is so long, it can feel clunky. Often, native speakers will rephrase to 'Il n'a pas un rythme frénétique' to keep the sentence balanced. In summary, keep 'frénétiquement' for moments of true intensity, ensure the spelling includes the '-ique-' bridge, and always use it to describe an *observable action* rather than a static emotion.

When 'frénétiquement' feels too strong or not quite right, French offers a rich palette of alternatives that describe speed, intensity, and agitation with different nuances. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the speed, the chaos, or the emotional state behind the action. The most direct synonym is fébrilement, which also means 'feverishly.' While 'frénétiquement' suggests a wild energy, 'fébrilement' suggests an anxious, nervous energy, often linked to anticipation or fear. You would wait 'fébrilement' for exam results, but you would dance 'frénétiquement' at a party.

Frénétiquement vs. Fébrilement
Frénétiquement = Wild, powerful, perhaps joyful or angry energy.
Fébrilement = Nervous, shaky, anxious energy (like someone with a fever).

Elle déballait ses cadeaux frénétiquement (wildly).
Elle ouvrait la lettre fébrilement (nervously).

Another useful alternative is éperdument. While this also translates to 'wildly' or 'frantically,' it is almost exclusively used with verbs of emotion, particularly 'aimer' (to love). To love someone 'éperdument' is to be hopelessly, wildly in love. You would never say you love someone 'frénétiquement'—that would sound like your love is a physical spasm rather than a deep emotion. On the other hand, convulsivement is used for physical, jerky movements, like sobbing or shaking. 'Elle sanglotait convulsivement' (She sobbed convulsively). This is more medical/physical than the broader 'frénétiquement.'

For Pure Speed
If you just mean 'at high speed' without the madness, use:
- Vivement (briskly)
- Rapidement (quickly)
- À toute allure (at full speed)

Le chef d'orchestre agitait sa baguette frénétiquement pendant le finale.

In informal settings, you might hear à toute berzingue or à fond la caisse. These are slangy ways to say 'at full throttle.' They lack the 'delirious' quality of 'frénétiquement' but capture the intensity. Finally, consider impatiemment (impatiently) if the reason for the frenzy is simply wanting something to happen sooner. 'Il attendait frénétiquement' is possible if he is pacing like a caged tiger, but 'Il attendait impatiemment' is more common for a simple lack of patience. By selecting the right adverb, you show a sophisticated grasp of French nuances, moving beyond 'très vite' to paint a precise emotional and physical picture.

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Examples by Level

1

Il danse frénétiquement.

He dances frantically.

Adverb follows the verb 'danse'.

2

Elle tape frénétiquement sur l'ordinateur.

She is typing frantically on the computer.

Simple present tense usage.

3

Le chien remue la queue frénétiquement.

The dog wags its tail frantically.

Describes a physical action.

4

Ils applaudissent frénétiquement.

They clap frantically.

Third person plural.

5

Elle cherche son chat frénétiquement.

She looks for her cat frantically.

Verb 'chercher' + adverb.

6

Il court frénétiquement vers la porte.

He runs frantically toward the door.

Preposition 'vers' indicates direction.

7

Le bébé agite ses bras frénétiquement.

The baby waves his arms frantically.

Noun 'bras' is the direct object.

8

On mange frénétiquement quand on a faim.

We eat frantically when we are hungry.

Impersonal 'on' usage.

1

Elle a cherché ses clés frénétiquement ce matin.

She looked for her keys frantically this morning.

Passé composé: adverb after the participle.

2

Les fans criaient frénétiquement pendant le concert.

The fans were screaming frantically during the concert.

Imparfait for continuous action.

3

Il écrit frénétiquement dans son petit carnet.

He writes frantically in his little notebook.

Use of 'dans' for location.

4

Le vent souffle frénétiquement ce soir.

The wind is blowing frantically tonight.

Metaphorical use for weather.

5

Nous avons travaillé frénétiquement pour finir le projet.

We worked frantically to finish the project.

Infinitive 'finir' expresses purpose.

6

Elle secouait la tête frénétiquement pour dire non.

She was shaking her head frantically to say no.

Direct object 'la tête'.

7

Il appuie frénétiquement sur le bouton de l'ascenseur.

He presses the elevator button frantically.

Preposition 'sur' with the verb 'appuyer'.

8

Les oiseaux volaient frénétiquement avant l'orage.

The birds were flying frantically before the storm.

Temporal preposition 'avant'.

1

Dès qu'elle a vu l'araignée, elle a sauté frénétiquement.

As soon as she saw the spider, she jumped frantically.

Conjunction 'dès que' introduces a time clause.

2

Le peintre bougeait son pinceau frénétiquement sur la toile.

The painter moved his brush frantically on the canvas.

Imparfait used for descriptive action.

3

Les traders vendaient leurs actions frénétiquement à la clôture.

The traders were selling their shares frantically at the close.

Professional context.

4

Il essayait frénétiquement de réparer la fuite d'eau.

He was frantically trying to repair the water leak.

Verb 'essayer' + de + infinitive.

5

Elle feuilletait le dictionnaire frénétiquement pour trouver le mot.

She was flipping through the dictionary frantically to find the word.

Verb 'feuilleter' (to flip through).

6

Le cœur du patient battait frénétiquement sur le moniteur.

The patient's heart was beating frantically on the monitor.

Subject 'le cœur' is a common collocation.

7

Les passagers essayaient frénétiquement de monter dans le train.

The passengers were frantically trying to get on the train.

Plural subject with 'essayer'.

8

Il grattait frénétiquement son ticket de loterie.

He was frantically scratching his lottery ticket.

Verb 'gratter' (to scratch).

1

La foule s'agitait frénétiquement devant les grilles du palais.

The crowd was agitating frantically in front of the palace gates.

Pronominal verb 's'agiter'.

2

L'écrivain, saisi par l'inspiration, noircissait les pages frénétiquement.

The writer, seized by inspiration, was blackening the pages frantically.

Idiom 'noircir du papier' (to write a lot).

3

Elle tentait frénétiquement de se remémorer les détails de l'accident.

She was frantically attempting to recall the details of the accident.

Verb 'se remémorer' is more formal than 'se souvenir'.

4

Le rythme de la batterie s'accéléra frénétiquement vers la fin du morceau.

The drum rhythm accelerated frantically toward the end of the piece.

Passé simple 's'accéléra' for literary effect.

5

Ils ont dû évacuer le bâtiment frénétiquement après l'alerte.

They had to evacuate the building frantically after the alert.

Infinitive 'évacuer' after 'devoir'.

6

Le politicien gesticulait frénétiquement pour convaincre son auditoire.

The politician was gesturing frantically to convince his audience.

Verb 'gesticuler' implies excessive movement.

7

Elle scannait frénétiquement la foule du regard, cherchant son fils.

She was frantically scanning the crowd with her eyes, looking for her son.

Expression 'du regard' (with one's gaze).

8

Le marché boursier réagissait frénétiquement aux nouvelles économiques.

The stock market was reacting frantically to the economic news.

Abstract subject 'le marché'.

1

L'orchestre s'élança dans un final que le chef dirigeait frénétiquement.

The orchestra launched into a finale that the conductor led frantically.

Relative clause 'que le chef dirigeait'.

2

Malgré le froid, il pédalait frénétiquement pour ne pas rater son rendez-vous.

Despite the cold, he was pedaling frantically so as not to miss his appointment.

Conjunction 'pour ne pas' + infinitive.

3

Elle pianotait frénétiquement sur la table, signe de son impatience croissante.

She was drumming her fingers frantically on the table, a sign of her growing impatience.

Verb 'pianoter' (to drum fingers).

4

La vie urbaine nous pousse à consommer frénétiquement des biens inutiles.

Urban life pushes us to frantically consume useless goods.

Sociological context.

5

Le savant fou mélangeait les réactifs frénétiquement dans son laboratoire.

The mad scientist was frantically mixing reagents in his lab.

Archetypal literary character usage.

6

Les partisans de la réforme militaient frénétiquement sur les réseaux sociaux.

Proponents of the reform were campaigning frantically on social media.

Modern digital context.

7

Elle tentait frénétiquement de colmater les brèches de son argumentation.

She was frantically trying to plug the holes in her argument.

Metaphorical use of 'colmater les brèches'.

8

L'animal, pris au piège, se débattait frénétiquement pour se libérer.

The animal, caught in a trap, was struggling frantically to free itself.

Pronominal verb 'se débattre'.

1

Dans un élan de désespoir, il griffonnait frénétiquement des adieux sur un lambeau de papier.

In a surge of despair, he was frantically scribbling farewells on a scrap of paper.

Verb 'griffonner' (to scribble).

2

La modernité, avec son flux d'informations continu, nous fait vivre frénétiquement.

Modernity, with its continuous flow of information, makes us live frantically.

Causative construction 'faire + infinitive'.

3

L'actrice habitée par son rôle pleurait frénétiquement sous les projecteurs.

The actress, possessed by her role, was weeping frantically under the spotlights.

Participle 'habitée' modifying 'l'actrice'.

4

Les vagues venaient se briser frénétiquement contre la jetée en béton.

The waves came to break frantically against the concrete pier.

Personification of the waves.

5

Le prisonnier grattait frénétiquement le mur de sa cellule avec un vieux clou.

The prisoner was frantically scratching the wall of his cell with an old nail.

Descriptive narrative style.

6

Il cherchait frénétiquement une issue à ce dilemme moral insoluble.

He was frantically seeking a way out of this insoluble moral dilemma.

Abstract usage of 'chercher une issue'.

7

Les insectes tourbillonnaient frénétiquement autour de la lampe à huile.

The insects were swirling frantically around the oil lamp.

Verb 'tourbillonner' (to swirl/whirl).

8

Le compositeur raturait frénétiquement sa partition, insatisfait de la mélodie.

The composer was frantically crossing out his score, dissatisfied with the melody.

Verb 'raturer' (to cross out/erase).

Common Collocations

chercher frénétiquement
applaudir frénétiquement
s'agiter frénétiquement
taper frénétiquement
danser frénétiquement
écrire frénétiquement
rythme frénétique
gesticuler frénétiquement
fouiller frénétiquement
pédaler frénétiquement

Common Phrases

S'activer frénétiquement

— To be extremely busy doing many things at once. Often used for kitchens or offices.

Tout le monde s'activait frénétiquement avant l'arrivée du patron.

Battre frénétiquement

— Usually refers to the heart beating very fast due to fear or excitement.

Son cœur battait frénétiquement dans sa poitrine.

Vivre frénétiquement

— To live life at a very fast and intense pace.

Il a toujours vécu frénétiquement, sans jamais s'arrêter.

Scroller frénétiquement

— To scroll through social media very fast and obsessively.

Elle scrolle frénétiquement sur Instagram avant de dormir.

Crier frénétiquement

— To shout in a wild or uncontrolled manner.

Les supporters criaient frénétiquement dans le stade.

Secouer frénétiquement

— To shake something with great force and speed.

Il secouait frénétiquement la bouteille de jus d'orange.

Chercher une issue frénétiquement

— To look desperately for a way out of a situation.

Il cherchait frénétiquement une issue à ses problèmes financiers.

Appuyer frénétiquement

— To press a button repeatedly and fast.

L'enfant appuyait frénétiquement sur la sonnette.

Travailler frénétiquement

— To work with intense, almost desperate energy.

Ils ont travaillé frénétiquement toute la nuit pour le lancement.

Agiter le drapeau frénétiquement

— To wave a fla

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