Infectiously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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infectiously
[ɪnˈfɛkʃəsli ]
Definition
manner of spreading
Infectiously refers to the manner in which something is spread or transmitted, particularly in a way that affects others positively or negatively. It is often used to describe laughter, behavior, or emotions that can easily spread to others.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She laughed infectiously, making everyone around her smile.
- His enthusiasm was infectiously uplifting, boosting the morale of the team.
- The children played infectiously, their joy contagious to the adults.
- Her energy was infectiously joyful, making the party lively.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Emotions can be contagious, and research shows that happiness can spread from person to person, often referred to as 'emotional contagion.'
- Studies indicate that people who are surrounded by positive emotions tend to have better mental health and overall life satisfaction.
- The idea of group behavior suggests that enthusiasm can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to engage and participate.
Pop Culture
- In movies, songs, and literature, characters often demonstrate infectious enthusiasm, inspiring others in their stories.
- Social media is a modern platform where feelings, trends, and even dances can go viral, showcasing the power of infectious behavior.
- Popular songs about feeling good serve to spread happiness, turning moments into shared experiences that are 'infectiously' fun.
Science
- Certain viruses are described as 'infectious' because they easily transfer from one host to another, which provides insight into how diseases propagate.
- Infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses can lead to health outbreaks, demonstrating the importance of public health measures.
- Research on social interactions in animals shows that behaviors can also be infectious, not just disease, impacting their social structures.
Literature
- Authors often explore themes of infectious joy or sorrow in their characters, emphasizing how one person's emotional state can influence others.
- Classic literature features characters whose infectious charm or wit ends up transforming the mundane lives of those around them.
- Poets use the concept of 'infectiously' to convey the irresistible nature of emotions and relationships, creating vivid imagery in their works.
Origin of 'infectiously'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'infectious,' which originates from the Latin 'infectiosus,' meaning 'to infect.'
- The suffix '-ly' turns an adjective into an adverb, meaning it's describing how something is done, in this case, spreading a feeling.
- The concept of infectiousness was once mostly applied to diseases before expanding to emotions and behaviors.
The word 'infectiously' is derived from the root word 'infectious', which has its origins in the Latin term 'infectiosus', meaning 'that which is to be taken in or caught'. This term is formed from 'in-' meaning 'in, on, or upon', and 'facere', which means 'to do or make'. The transition from 'infectious' to 'infectiously' involves the addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly', which transforms the adjective into a manner of action. Over time, 'infectious' has broadened in its application, especially in contemporary speech, extending beyond the medical context to describe positivity, enthusiasm, or emotions that can spread among people, capturing the social dynamics of human interaction.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,701, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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- 40698 feuded
- 40699 abstruseness
- 40700 edgier
- 40701 infectiously
- 40702 resupplying
- 40703 nosh
- 40704 cheeriest
- ...