Sickness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
sickness
[หsษชknษs ]
Definitions
feeling unwell
The state of being unwell or unhealthy, especially when involving symptoms such as fever, nausea, or fatigue. Sickness can be caused by various factors such as viruses, bacteria, or environmental conditions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sickness |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a temporary feeling of being unwell, like nausea or the flu. It can also broadly refer to any state of being unwell.
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| illness |
A general term for the state of being unwell, often used interchangeably with disease but can also refer to mental health conditions.
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| disease |
Used to describe a specific, diagnosed medical condition, often infectious or chronic, and can range from mild to severe.
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| ailment |
Usually refers to a minor or chronic condition that causes discomfort or pain but is not life-threatening.
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Examples of usage
- I had to call in sick to work because of my sickness.
- She was suffering from a severe sickness that required hospitalization.
unpleasant situation
A condition or state that is undesirable, distressing, or unfavorable. Sickness can also refer to a state of moral or ethical corruption.
Synonyms
corruption, malaise, unpleasantness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sickness |
Used to describe a state of being ill or having a disease.
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| unpleasantness |
Used to describe a state or situation that is unpleasant or annoying.
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| corruption |
Used to describe dishonest or fraudulent conduct, typically by those in power. Has a negative connotation.
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| malaise |
Used to describe a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease, often without a specific cause.
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Examples of usage
- The sickness of poverty affects many families in the community.
- The sickness of greed can lead to destructive behavior.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, sickness is often seen as a test of character, inspiring works of art and literature that explore human struggles.
- In ancient times, certain sicknesses were believed to be the result of spiritual or supernatural forces rather than physical ailments.
Science
- The immune system plays a vital role in how we respond to sickness, fighting off pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
- Psychosomatic illnesses show that mental health can influence physical wellbeing, highlighting the connection between mind and body.
Literature
- Many famous works, like Dostoevsky's 'The Idiot', explore themes of sickness, using it as a metaphor for moral and societal decay.
- The depiction of sickness can show vulnerability, and authors often use these scenarios to develop characters and plot lines.
History
- Pandemics throughout history, such as the Black Death, have drastically altered societies and shaped public health policies.
- The Hippocratic Corpus in Ancient Greece laid the groundwork for medical understanding, referencing various forms of sickness.
Origin of 'sickness'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sickness' comes from the Old English word 'sฤocnes', which means 'illness' or 'condition of being ill'.
- Originally, the root of the word also conveys a sense of 'suffering', connecting the term to the experience of illness.
The word 'sickness' originated from the Old English word 'seocnes', which meant 'illness'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both physical and moral afflictions. The concept of sickness has been a fundamental aspect of human experience, influencing medical practices, social norms, and cultural beliefs.