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Symptom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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symptom

[ˈsɪmptəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

A physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease.

Synonyms

indication, manifestation, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symptom

This word is commonly used in the context of medicine to describe a subjective experience reported by the patient, such as pain or fatigue.

  • A fever is a common symptom of the flu.
  • She reported feeling dizzy and nauseous, which are symptoms of dehydration.
indication

This word is often used to describe a hint or sign that something could be the case, not strictly limited to medical contexts.

  • Dark clouds are an indication of an approaching storm.
  • His willingness to help was an indication of his good character.
sign

This word is also used in medical contexts but refers to objective evidence of a disease, observable and measurable, such as a rash or abnormal heartbeat.

  • A high fever can be a sign of an infection.
  • Redness and swelling are signs of inflammation.
manifestation

Used to describe a clear and obvious display or embodiment of something, often broader and more tangible than 'symptom' or 'indication'.

  • The rash was a manifestation of his allergic reaction.
  • Peaceful protests are a manifestation of democratic ideals.

Examples of usage

  • The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, and fatigue.
  • She experienced symptoms of anxiety before giving a public speech.
Context #2 | Noun

general context

A sign that something exists or is happening, typically something undesirable.

Synonyms

indication, manifestation, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symptom

Commonly used in medical contexts to describe a noticeable change in the body or mind that indicates disease or illness.

  • A fever is a common symptom of the flu.
  • She went to the doctor because she was experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
indication

Used more generally to refer to something that points out or indicates a certain condition or situation. It can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts.

  • Dark clouds are an indication that a storm is coming.
  • The presence of antibodies is an indication of a past infection.
sign

Frequently used in medical contexts to describe an objective, observable indication of a disease or condition, often detected by a doctor or a medical professional.

  • The red spots on her skin were a clear sign of measles.
  • High blood pressure can be a sign of heart disease.
manifestation

Describes the physical or visible form of something, often used in medical and psychological contexts to describe how a condition or disease shows up.

  • The rash was a manifestation of the allergic reaction.
  • Anxiety can have many physical manifestations, such as increased heart rate and sweating.

Examples of usage

  • Rising crime rates are a symptom of social unrest.
  • Lack of communication can be a symptom of a failing relationship.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Symptoms can be subjective, like pain, meaning they can't be measured but are experienced personally.
  • They often help doctors diagnose conditions, as different diseases can have similar symptoms.
  • Some symptoms may precede an illness's onset, acting as warnings, like fatigue before a cold.

Psychology

  • In mental health, symptoms can include feelings or behaviors that indicate emotional distress or conditions like anxiety.
  • Recognizing emotional symptoms can be as important as physical signs for overall health.
  • Psychological symptoms often overlap with physical symptoms, showing the body and mind connect closely.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, characters often display symptoms to signal a change, like someone becoming suddenly sick.
  • Popular music sometimes references emotional symptoms, expressing heartache or anxiety through lyrics.
  • Reality shows often feature contestants comparing symptoms during competitions, highlighting shared experiences.

Common Misunderstandings

  • Not all symptoms mean a serious illness; they can also indicate minor issues like allergies.
  • Many believe symptoms require immediate attention, but they can sometimes resolve on their own.
  • People often confuse symptoms with diagnoses, where symptoms are just indicators of an underlying health issue.

Origin of 'symptom'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'symptōma', meaning 'that which befalls' or 'an event'.
  • It was first used in English in the early 14th century to refer to signs of disease.
  • Originally, it referred to any sign or occurrence, but over time, it became specific to health-related signs.

The word 'symptom' originated from the Greek word 'sumptōma', meaning 'a happening, accident, symptom of a disease'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe indicators or signs of a condition or disease.

See also: symptoms.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,302 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.