Grippe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grippe

[ɡrɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

An old-fashioned word for influenza, especially the specific form of influenza that caused the pandemic of 1918-19.

Synonyms

influenza.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
influenza

The medical term for flu, often used in formal or clinical settings. It denotes the same illness as 'flu' but in a more scientific or professional manner.

  • Influenza can be particularly dangerous for the elderly.
  • The doctor diagnosed her with influenza.

Examples of usage

  • It was later discovered that the grippe virus was responsible for the devastating pandemic.
  • Many people died as a result of the grippe outbreak in the early 20th century.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

A severe form of influenza, often characterized by high fever and body aches.

Synonyms

flu, influenza.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grippe

This term is less commonly used in modern English and is considered somewhat old-fashioned. It can be used in historical contexts or in literature that refers to past times.

  • In the early 1900s, many people succumbed to the grippe.
  • An old medical report mentioned the spread of the grippe in the countryside.
flu

This is the most common term used in everyday conversation to refer to the influenza virus. It's appropriate in casual, medical, and general settings.

  • I can't come to work today; I think I have the flu.
  • Every winter, many people get vaccinated to protect themselves from the flu.
influenza

This is the more formal term for the flu, used often in medical, scientific, or technical contexts.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with influenza and prescribed medication.
  • Studies show that the influenza virus mutates frequently.

Examples of usage

  • The grippe epidemic of 1918 was one of the deadliest in recorded history.
  • She was bedridden for weeks due to a bout of grippe.

Translations

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

Origin of 'grippe'

The term 'grippe' originated from the French word 'grippe' meaning 'influenza'. It was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to describe a severe form of influenza. The grippe pandemic of 1918-19, also known as the Spanish flu, was one of the deadliest pandemics in history, claiming millions of lives worldwide. While the term 'grippe' is less commonly used today, it remains a part of medical history as a synonym for influenza.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,529 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.