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Infectious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infectious

[ษชnหˆfษ›kสƒษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

disease spread

Likely to spread or influence others in a rapid manner, typically referring to diseases caused by pathogens.

Synonyms

communicable, contagious, transmittable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infectious

Used to describe diseases or conditions that can be spread by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. Often used in a medical or scientific context.

  • The common cold is an infectious disease caused by a virus.
  • Many infectious diseases can be prevented with proper hygiene.
contagious

Often used in everyday language to describe diseases that are easily spread from person to person through direct or close contact. Sometimes has a more casual or urgent tone compared to 'infectious'.

  • Chickenpox is highly contagious among children.
  • Stay home if you have the flu, as it is very contagious.
transmittable

Used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that can be passed from one person or organism to another. Commonly used in discussions about diseases, signals, or messages.

  • Some animals are carriers of transmittable diseases.
communicable

Used in a formal or medical context to describe diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another, directly or indirectly.

  • Tuberculosis is a communicable disease that can be spread through the air.
  • Health agencies work to control the spread of communicable diseases.

Examples of usage

  • The flu is highly infectious and can easily be transmitted from person to person.
  • COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has spread globally.
Context #2 | Adjective

personality trait

Having a strong effect on others; capable of spreading enthusiasm or emotions.

Synonyms

captivating, charismatic, engaging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infectious

Same as above; can be used to describe something that spreads easily, often positively when referring to emotions.

  • Her infectious enthusiasm inspired everyone on the team.
  • The infectious joy of the children playing in the park was a beautiful sight.
captivating

Best for describing something that completely holds your attention because it is so interesting, beautiful, or exciting.

  • The movie's captivating story kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • Her captivating beauty left everyone in awe.
engaging

Used to describe something or someone that grabs and keeps your interest and attention, often through interaction or compelling appeals.

  • The teacher's engaging lessons made the subject much more interesting.
  • His engaging storytelling skills kept everyone listening intently.
charismatic

Suitable when referring to someone who has a magnetic and appealing personality, making others want to follow or admire them.

  • The charismatic leader drew large crowds wherever he spoke.
  • Her charismatic presence made her the center of attention at the party.

Examples of usage

  • Her infectious laughter filled the room with joy.
  • His infectious enthusiasm inspired the team to work harder.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi can multiply quickly, increasing the chance of spreading.
  • Disease transmission can occur through various methods: airborne, direct contact, or vector-borne via insects like mosquitoes.

Psychology

  • Emotions like joy and optimism are considered 'infectious', spreading from person to person in social settings.
  • The 'contagion effect' in psychology describes how behaviors can be influenced by observing others, similar to how illness spreads.

Pop Culture

  • The term often appears in songs and movies implying a vibe or quality thatโ€™s captivating and spreads among groups.
  • In popular media, viral trends can be described as infectious, capturing the essence of quick spread among viewers or participants.

Literature

  • Writers often use the metaphor of infection to describe ideas or themes that resonate deeply and spread among audiences.
  • Classic novels sometimes depict social behaviors as infectious, illustrating how movements or trends capture the collective conscience.

Origin of 'infectious'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'infectus', meaning 'to taint' or 'to stain', indicating how it can spread.
  • In the medical field, it refers not just to diseases but also to feelings and behaviors that can spread from person to person.

The word 'infectious' originated from the Latin word 'inficere', which means 'to stain' or 'to taint'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the spread of diseases or qualities from one person to another. The concept of infectious diseases has been a significant aspect of human history, with various pandemics shaping societies and medical practices.

See also: disinfect, disinfectant, disinfection, disinfector, infect, infected, infection, infections.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,675 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.