Communicable: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in medical or public health contexts to describe diseases that can be spread from one person to another.

• Flu is a highly communicable disease.
• Health officials are working to control communicable diseases.

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.

• Be careful, the cold she has is very contagious.
• Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness.

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.

• Malaria is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes.
• Her laughter is infectious and makes everyone else start laughing.

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.

• Scientists are studying how transmissible the new virus is.
• Not all diseases are highly transmissible.

Typically used in medical or formal settings to describe diseases or conditions that can be spread from one person to another.

• Flu is a highly communicable disease.
• Doctors are concerned about the communicable nature of the infection.

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.

• Data is transmittable at high speeds through this network.
• The software ensures that the information is transmittable securely.

Used in everyday contexts to describe something that can be easily shared with others, such as files, information, or food.

• This document is shareable via a link.
• We ordered a plate of shareable appetizers.