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Feverish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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feverish

[ˈfiːvərɪʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling unwell

Having or showing the symptoms of a fever, such as high temperature, sweating, and shivering.

Synonyms

hot, shivery, sweaty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feverish

This term is typically used when someone has a high body temperature due to illness. It can also describe a state of intense activity or excitement.

  • He felt feverish and weak, so he decided to stay in bed
  • The feverish pace of the project had everyone on edge
hot

Used widely when referring to a high temperature or an uncomfortable feeling due to heat. Can also describe something trendy or very popular.

  • The weather is so hot today, I can't stand it! The new song by that band is really hot right now
sweaty

Describes being covered in sweat, typically due to physical exertion, heat, or anxiety.

  • After running a marathon, he was completely sweaty
  • The thought of speaking in public always makes her sweaty
shivery

Best used when someone feels cold and is trembling, often because they are sick or frightened.

  • She felt shivery after coming in from the cold rain
  • The scary movie left him feeling shivery and tense

Examples of usage

  • She felt feverish and decided to stay home from work.
  • His face was flushed and he felt feverish to the touch.
Context #2 | Adjective

intense or excited

Having or showing intense excitement or agitation.

Synonyms

agitated, excited, intense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
feverish

Used to describe someone experiencing a fever or behaving in an excessively excited or restless manner, often due to illness or stress.

  • She felt feverish and decided to stay in bed.
  • His feverish energy made it hard to concentrate.
excited

Describes a state of heightened enthusiasm, anticipation, or happiness, often in a positive context.

  • The children were excited about the trip to the zoo.
  • She was excited to start her new job.
agitated

Refers to someone who is visibly disturbed, upset, or anxious, often due to emotional stress or external pressures.

  • He was visibly agitated after the argument.
  • The speaker became agitated when questioned.
intense

Highlights a situation or feeling that is extremely strong or serious, or a person who is deeply focused and passionate.

  • The competition was intense and everyone gave their best.
  • He has an intense interest in chess.

Examples of usage

  • His feverish enthusiasm for the project was contagious.
  • The feverish atmosphere at the concert heightened the experience for the audience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters feeling feverish often depict emotional or physical turmoil, symbolizing inner conflict.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' explore feverish passions in love, reflecting intense emotions.
  • Many poets use feverish imagery to describe obsession or overwhelming experiences, connecting heat with heightened feelings.

Health

  • A feverish state often occurs in response to infections, indicating that the body is fighting off illness.
  • Symptoms accompanying a feverish feeling may include chills, sweating, and fatigue, emphasizing the body's efforts to restore balance.
  • Children tend to run higher fevers than adults, which can both alarm parents and signal healthy immune responses.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'feverish' is often used in songs and movies to convey extreme emotions, whether they're about love, desire, or illness.
  • In the TV series 'House', characters frequently present with feverish symptoms that lead to dramatic medical mysteries.
  • Artists often describe the creative process as feverish, suggesting a frenzied state of inspiration and productivity.

Psychology

  • A feverish state not only represents physical illness but can also symbolize mental states like anxiety or excitement.
  • In psychology, intense emotions can manifest physically, making one feel feverish in stressful situations.
  • The concept of 'feverish thinking' can refer to racing thoughts during panic or intense periods of creativity.

Origin of 'feverish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'feverish' originates from the Middle English term 'feverous', derived from the Latin word 'febris', meaning fever.
  • In Old French, 'fever' was spelled as 'fevris', showcasing the evolutionary path of language over time.
  • The suffix '-ish' indicates a quality or state, thus 'feverish' describes the state of having a fever.

The word 'feverish' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'fever' and the suffix '-ish', which denotes a tendency or resemblance to. It has been used to describe both physical symptoms related to fever as well as intense emotional states.

See also: fever.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,928, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.