Sick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sick
[sɪk ]
Definitions
feeling unwell
Physically or mentally unwell; affected with disease or disorder.
Synonyms
ailing, ill, under the weather, unwell.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sick |
Commonly used in both casual and formal settings to describe someone who is not feeling well. It is a broad term that can refer to a variety of illnesses.
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| unwell |
A formal and polite way to describe someone who is not feeling well. It is general and not specific to any particular illness.
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| ill |
Often used in more formal contexts to describe someone who is suffering from a disease or condition. It is also used in UK English more frequently than 'sick'.
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| under the weather |
Used in informal settings to describe someone who is feeling slightly ill, usually not seriously. It suggests a temporary and mild condition.
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| ailing |
Typically used to describe someone who is experiencing prolonged health problems or is in poor health, often chronic conditions. It is a more formal and sometimes literary term.
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Examples of usage
- I feel sick, I think I need to see a doctor.
- She called in sick to work because she had a fever.
- His constant headaches made him feel sick all the time.
disgusting
Causing disgust or revulsion; unpleasant or offensive.
Synonyms
disgusting, nauseating, repulsive, revolting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sick |
Used to describe someone who is not feeling well physically. It can also be used figuratively in casual speech to express strong disapproval or dislike.
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| disgusting |
Used to describe something very unpleasant or offensive, especially in a way that causes a strong feeling of dislike.
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| repulsive |
Used in more formal language to describe something that causes intense aversion or disgust.
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| revolting |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or offensive, often used in a more dramatic or emotional context.
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| nauseating |
Used to describe something that makes you feel like you are going to vomit, or something extremely unpleasant.
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Examples of usage
- The smell from the garbage can was making me feel sick.
- The thought of eating that spoiled food made her feel sick.
- The violence in the movie was too sick for some viewers.
informal
A person who is obsessed with something or highly skilled at it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sick |
Often used to describe someone who is ill or feeling unwell. It can also be used informally to describe something as impressive or cool, especially in youth slang.
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| expert |
Used to describe someone who has extensive knowledge or skill in a particular area.
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| master |
Describes someone who has achieved a high level of skill or proficiency in a particular field or activity. It can also be used in academic titles.
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| genius |
Refers to someone with exceptional intellectual or creative ability.
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| pro |
Short for professional, this word is used to describe someone who is very skilled at something, often as a career.
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Examples of usage
- He's a sick guitarist, he can play any song perfectly.
- She's a sick artist, her paintings are amazing.
- The team has some sick players who always perform well.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In modern slang, saying something is 'sick' can also mean it's really cool or impressive, shifting its original meaning.
- The phrase 'sick day' refers to a day off from work or school when a person is too ill to attend, a common practice in workplaces.
- Popular music and movies often depict characters dealing with illness, raising awareness about health and well-being.
Health and Medicine
- The term can describe a range of conditions, from a common cold to more serious illnesses.
- Mental health discussions also use 'sick' to refer to psychological distress or disorders, showing the broader implications of the word.
- The increase in vocabulary surrounding wellness has led to more nuanced uses of the term in healthcare settings.
Psychology
- Psychosomatic illnesses demonstrate how emotional stress can manifest physically, linking the concept of being 'sick' to mental states.
- The stigma surrounding mental health can lead to a misunderstanding of the word 'sick' as only being associated with physical health.
- Public perceptions of 'sick' can affect how individuals seek help, highlighting social attitudes toward illness.
Literature
- Many literary works use the theme of illness as a metaphor for deeper societal issues or personal struggles.
- Characters may display physical 'sickness' that reflects their emotional or moral dilemmas, providing depth to their journeys.
- Classic literature often addresses the fragility of health, capturing the human experience and vulnerability through the lens of being 'sick.'
Origin of 'sick'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sick' comes from the Old English 'sic,' which means being ill or unwell.
- It is related to words in other Germanic languages, like 'siek' in Dutch, highlighting a shared heritage.
- The term has evolved over centuries and has also been connected to moral or spiritual ailments.
The word 'sick' has a long history dating back to Old English. Originally derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'sukwaz', it evolved over time to mean 'affected by physical or mental illness'. The term has also been used informally to describe something extreme or impressive, such as 'sick skills' in reference to exceptional abilities. In modern slang, 'sick' can have positive connotations when used to describe something cool or impressive.