allergy
A medical condition in which the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or food. This reaction can cause various symptoms like sneezing, itching, or swelling, ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening emergencies.
Examples
3 of 5I have a severe nut allergy, so I have to check all food labels carefully.
I have a severe nut allergy, so I have to check all food labels carefully.
The patient reported a history of allergy to penicillin during the initial consultation.
The patient reported a history of allergy to penicillin during the initial consultation.
Ugh, my pollen allergy is killing me today; I can't stop sneezing!
Ugh, my pollen allergy is killing me today; I can't stop sneezing!
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'allergy' as 'all-urgent'—your body thinks a tiny bit of dust is an urgent emergency and starts attacking it!
Quick Quiz
Sarah cannot eat strawberries because she has a severe _______ to them.
Correct!
The correct answer is: allergy
Examples
I have a severe nut allergy, so I have to check all food labels carefully.
everydayI have a severe nut allergy, so I have to check all food labels carefully.
The patient reported a history of allergy to penicillin during the initial consultation.
formalThe patient reported a history of allergy to penicillin during the initial consultation.
Ugh, my pollen allergy is killing me today; I can't stop sneezing!
informalUgh, my pollen allergy is killing me today; I can't stop sneezing!
The study examines the rising prevalence of food allergy among children in urban environments.
academicThe study examines the rising prevalence of food allergy among children in urban environments.
We need to update our catering menu to include options for guests with a gluten allergy.
businessWe need to update our catering menu to include options for guests with a gluten allergy.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
allergy season
allergy season
allergy test
allergy test
have an allergy to
have an allergy to
Often Confused With
An allergy involves an immune system response, whereas an intolerance (like lactose) is typically a digestive issue.
An allergy is an overreaction to a harmless substance, while an infection is caused by pathogens like bacteria or viruses.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used with the preposition 'to' (e.g., an allergy to cats). Use 'allergic' as the adjective form to describe a person's state.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the article, saying 'I have allergy' instead of 'I have an allergy' or 'I have allergies'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'allergy' as 'all-urgent'—your body thinks a tiny bit of dust is an urgent emergency and starts attacking it!
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek words 'allos' (other) and 'ergon' (work/activity), meaning a different or 'other' reaction.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western countries, food allergies (especially peanut allergies) are taken very seriously in schools and restaurants with strict labeling requirements.
Quick Quiz
Sarah cannot eat strawberries because she has a severe _______ to them.
Correct!
The correct answer is: allergy
Related Grammar Rules
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