Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Fever Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤒
Add to dictionary

fever

[ˈfiːvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. Fever is a common symptom of infections such as the flu or a cold.

Synonyms

high temperature, pyrexia.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fever

This is a duplication; the explanation is the same as the first entry.

  • She has a fever and is resting in bed.
  • I think I might be coming down with a fever.
high temperature

Used in both everyday and more formal contexts. It emphasizes the quantitative aspect of the condition and is more descriptive.

  • He called in sick because he had a high temperature.
  • Her high temperature is a sign of a possible infection.
pyrexia

Used in medical or scientific contexts, often in professional settings. It is the technical term for fever.

  • The patient was diagnosed with pyrexia of unknown origin.
  • Pyrexia is a common symptom in many infectious diseases.

Examples of usage

  • She had a high fever and had to stay in bed all day.
  • The doctor advised plenty of rest and fluids to help reduce the fever.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional state

A state of intense excitement or agitation. It can also refer to a strong enthusiasm or passion for something.

Synonyms

agitation, excitement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fever

Used primarily in medical contexts to describe an abnormally high body temperature, often indicating illness.

  • She has a high fever and needs to see a doctor immediately.
  • His fever broke last night, and he is feeling much better now.
excitement

Describes a state of eager enthusiasm or anticipation, often positive and tied to something enjoyable.

  • The excitement in the crowd was palpable as the concert began.
  • She couldn't hide her excitement about the upcoming vacation.
agitation

Refers to a state of nervousness or restlessness, often due to anxiety or another emotional disturbance.

  • Her agitation was clear when she couldn't stop pacing around the room.
  • He tried to calm his agitation before the big presentation.

Examples of usage

  • The crowd was in a fever of anticipation before the concert started.
  • She worked on the project with a fever of determination and focus.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Science

  • Fever acts as a natural defense mechanism; it helps the body fight off infections by creating a less favorable environment for bacteria and viruses.
  • A fever is typically defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).
  • Different cultures have various remedies for reducing fevers, from herbal teas to cold compresses.

Cultural Beliefs

  • In many traditional cultures, fever is viewed as a cleansing process, allowing the body to expel toxins.
  • Certain cultures believe in the healing power of sweating out a fever, using hot baths and layered clothing.
  • Folklore often ties fevers to supernatural beliefs, seeing them as a way of communicating with spirits.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a fever can alter emotional states, often bringing feelings of fatigue or irritability.
  • People with fevers sometimes report vivid dreams or hallucinations due to changes in brain activity.
  • The stress of feeling unwell can lead to heightened anxiety and mood swings.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'fever pitch' refers to an intense level of excitement or activity, showing how 'fever' symbolizes extremes.
  • There are numerous songs and movies that metaphorically use the term to signify passion or obsession, like 'Fever' sung by Peggy Lee.
  • In literature, fever is often used as a plot device to show character transformation or struggles.

Origin of 'fever'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fever' comes from the Latin word 'febris', which means 'heat'.
  • In Old English, 'fefer' was used to describe an intense heat condition in the body.
  • The term has been used in medical texts for centuries to describe illness indicators.

The word 'fever' has its origins in Old English 'fefer' and Proto-Germanic 'febris'. The concept of fever has been recognized throughout history as a symptom of various illnesses and infections. Ancient civilizations used different methods to treat fevers, such as herbal remedies and sweating treatments. The understanding of fever and its causes has evolved over time with advancements in medical science.

See also: feverish.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,025, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.