Contagious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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contagious
[kษnหteษชdสษs ]
Definitions
spread of disease
Capable of being transmitted from one person or organism to another by direct or indirect contact, typically resulting in the rapid spread of the disease.
Synonyms
communicable, infectious, transmittable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contagious |
Use 'contagious' primarily to describe diseases that can be spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact. It often signifies that the disease can spread easily.
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| infectious |
Use 'infectious' to describe diseases caused by organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that spreads quickly, like laughter or enthusiasm.
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| transmittable |
Use 'transmittable' to refer to the ability of a disease or condition to be passed from one person to another. This term is often used in a formal or technical context.
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| communicable |
Use 'communicable' mainly in scientific or medical contexts to describe diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another. It is often used in formal or academic settings.
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Examples of usage
- COVID-19 is highly contagious and can easily spread through respiratory droplets.
- The flu virus is known to be contagious, especially in crowded places.
- Measles is a contagious disease that can be prevented with vaccination.
spread of emotions or behavior
Likely to spread or influence others, especially in terms of emotions or behavior.
Synonyms
infectious, spreading, transmittable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contagious |
Used when talking about diseases or emotions that can easily spread from one person to another.
|
| infectious |
Refers to diseases that can be transmitted through bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. Also used metaphorically for positive emotions.
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| spreading |
Used generally to describe something that is moving or extending to a wider area, such as rumors, ideas, or diseases.
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| transmittable |
Used primarily in medical contexts to describe diseases or conditions that can be passed from one individual to another.
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Examples of usage
- Her laughter was contagious and soon everyone in the room was smiling.
- The enthusiasm of the team was contagious and motivated others to work harder.
- His positive attitude was contagious and uplifted the entire group.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Certain diseases, like the flu and COVID-19, are highly contagious and spread easily between people.
- Contagiousness can vary significantly based on a person's immune system and behavior.
Psychology
- Emotions can also be contagious; seeing someone smile can make you smile too, reflecting a social phenomenon.
- Mood and behavior can spread through groups, making environments either positive or negative.
Pop Culture
- The concept of contagiousness is popular in films, often used for horror movies featuring outbreaks and infections.
- Songs or memes can become 'contagious' on social media, spreading rapidly among users.
Science
- Scientific studies show that laughter can be contagious, with one giggle often leading to a chain reaction among friends.
- Certain viruses have a contagious range, meaning they can be passed more easily in close spaces or large gatherings.
Origin of 'contagious'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Latin word 'contagiosus', meaning 'touched together' or 'communicated by contact'.
- The term originally referred to diseases that could be spread by touch in the late 14th century.
The word 'contagious' originated from the Latin word 'contagiosus', meaning 'communicable'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the ability of diseases to be transmitted from one person to another. Over time, the term has also been extended to describe the spread of emotions or behaviors. Contagiousness is a key factor in understanding the rapid transmission of diseases and the influence of social interactions on individuals.
See also: contagions.