Symptoms Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤒
Add to dictionary

symptoms

[ˈsɪmptəmz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Symptoms are physical or mental features which indicate a disease or illness. They can include things like fever, cough, headache, fatigue, and more.

Synonyms

indications, manifestations, signs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
symptoms

Commonly used in medical and health contexts to describe subjective experiences or feelings that indicate an illness or condition.

  • She had flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat and fever.
  • The doctor asked about her symptoms to make a diagnosis.
signs

Typically refers to objective evidence or observable phenomena that indicate a condition or situation, and can be used in medical, general, or various other contexts.

  • Sneezing and coughing are signs of a cold.
  • There were signs on the road indicating construction ahead.
indications

Often used in medical, scientific, or general contexts to refer to signs or signals suggesting something, typically needing further investigation.

  • The presence of rashes can be an indication of an allergic reaction.
  • Economic indicators give indications of market trends.
manifestations

Used to describe visible, tangible, or physical expressions or appearances of something, usually more formal and can be related to various contexts including medical, social, and psychological.

  • The disease can have various manifestations, including joint pain and swelling.
  • Social unrest is a manifestation of deeper societal issues.

Examples of usage

  • The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.
  • If you experience symptoms such as nausea and dizziness, you should consult a doctor.
  • She displayed symptoms of the flu, such as body aches and chills.

Translations

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

Origin of 'symptoms'

The word 'symptoms' originated from the Latin word 'symptoma' which means 'a happening, event, symptom'. The concept of symptoms has been integral to the field of medicine since ancient times, with early physicians using observable signs and symptoms to diagnose illnesses. Over the centuries, the understanding of symptoms has evolved, leading to the classification and recognition of various disease indicators.


See also: symptom.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,959, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.