Communicable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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communicable
[kəˈmjuːnɪkəbl ]
Definitions
disease transmission
Capable of being communicated, spread, or transmitted from one person to another.
Synonyms
contagious, infectious, transmissible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| communicable |
Used mainly in medical or public health contexts to describe diseases that can be spread from one person to another.
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| contagious |
Often used in everyday conversation to describe diseases that spread easily and quickly from one person to another, sometimes implying a higher level of concern or urgency.
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| infectious |
Describes diseases that are caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms and can be spread through various means, including direct contact. It can also describe something that spreads easily (like laughter or enthusiasm) in a more positive way.
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| transmissible |
Often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe diseases that can be transmitted from one person or organism to another. It is a more formal term.
|
Examples of usage
- COVID-19 is a highly communicable disease.
- Influenza is a communicable disease that spreads easily in crowded places.
information
Able to be passed on or shared among people.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| communicable |
Typically used in medical or formal settings to describe diseases or conditions that can be spread from one person to another.
|
| transmittable |
Generally used in scientific or technical contexts to describe something that can be transferred from one location or entity to another, often referring to data or signals.
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| shareable |
Used in everyday contexts to describe something that can be easily shared with others, such as files, information, or food.
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Examples of usage
- News in the digital age is highly communicable through social media.
- Rumors are often more communicable than facts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In medicine, communicable diseases are caused by pathogens like bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted between individuals.
- Examples of communicable diseases include the flu, chickenpox, and tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of hygiene to prevent their spread.
Public Health
- Health campaigns often focus on educating the public about how communicable diseases spread to encourage prevention.
- Vaccination is a critical tool used to protect against certain communicable diseases, helping to reduce outbreaks.
Culture
- In many societies, the sharing of information about communicable diseases is vital for community health, influencing public behavior.
- Communicable ideas and trends can spread rapidly through social media, showcasing the importance of communication in our digital age.
Psychology
- The concept of communicability extends beyond health; emotions can also be communicable, affecting social interactions and relationships.
- Researchers study how communicable behaviors, like laughter or yawning, create social bonds and strengthen group dynamics.
Origin of 'communicable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'communicabilis', which means 'able to be shared' or 'made common'.
- The root word 'communicare' means 'to make common' or 'to share', linking it to our daily expressions of connection.
The word 'communicable' originated from the Latin word 'communicabilis', which means 'able to be imparted'. The term 'communicable' first appeared in the early 17th century, primarily used in the context of diseases that can be transmitted from person to person. Over time, its usage expanded to also refer to the sharing of information or ideas among individuals.
See also: communicated, communicating, communication, communicative, communicator, miscommunication, telecommunication, telecommunications, uncommunicative, uncommunicatively.