A1 noun Neutral #4,072 most common

fever

/ˈfiː.vər/

A fever is a medical condition in which the body temperature is higher than the normal range of 37°C (98.6°F). It is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The baby has a slight fever, so we are giving him plenty of water.

The baby has a slight fever, so we are giving him plenty of water.

2

The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.

The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.

3

I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.

I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.

Word Family

Noun
fever
Adverb
feverishly
Adjective
feverish
Related
feverishness
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'FEEL'. If you FEel very hot, you might have a FEver.

Quick Quiz

You should use a thermometer to check if the child has a ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: fever

Examples

1

The baby has a slight fever, so we are giving him plenty of water.

everyday

The baby has a slight fever, so we are giving him plenty of water.

2

The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.

formal

The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.

3

I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.

informal

I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.

4

Fever is a common physiological response to bacterial or viral pathogens.

academic

Fever is a common physiological response to bacterial or viral pathogens.

5

Due to a sudden high fever, the manager will be absent from today's meeting.

business

Due to a sudden high fever, the manager will be absent from today's meeting.

Word Family

Noun
fever
Adverb
feverishly
Adjective
feverish
Related
feverishness

Common Collocations

run a fever to have a high body temperature
high fever a significantly elevated body temperature
break a fever when a high temperature starts to go down
low-grade fever a temperature that is only slightly above normal
reduce a fever to make a body temperature lower using medicine

Common Phrases

cabin fever

feeling bored or upset because you have been stuck indoors for too long

fever pitch

a state of very strong emotion or excitement

yellow fever

a specific tropical disease spread by mosquitoes

Often Confused With

fever vs flu

A fever is a symptom (high heat), while the flu is the actual disease caused by a virus.

fever vs shiver

A shiver is the shaking movement of the body, whereas a fever is the internal heat.

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Usage Notes

In English, we typically use the verbs 'have' or 'run' with fever. It is a countable noun, so you usually say 'a fever' rather than just 'fever' in everyday conversation.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'I am fever' which is incorrect. The correct form is 'I have a fever'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'FEEL'. If you FEel very hot, you might have a FEver.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old English 'fēfer', which comes from the Latin word 'febris', meaning 'fever' or 'warmth'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun: a fever / fevers often used with: 'have', 'run', or 'develop' adjective form: 'feverish' describes the person
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, a fever is the standard threshold used by schools and offices to determine if a person is too contagious to attend.

Quick Quiz

You should use a thermometer to check if the child has a ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: fever

More Health words

nose

A1

The nose is the part of the face located above the mouth that you use for breathing and smelling. It contains nostrils which allow air to enter the respiratory system.

neck

A1

The part of the body that connects the head to the rest of the body. It supports the weight of the head and allows it to turn and move.

chest

A1

The chest is the upper front part of the human body between the neck and the stomach. It contains important organs like the heart and the lungs.

knee

A1

The joint between the thigh and the lower leg in humans. It is a vital part of the body that allows the leg to bend and supports the body's weight while standing or moving.

heart

A1

The organ in your chest that pumps blood through your body. It is also used to represent the center of your emotions, especially love.

cough

A1

A cough is a sudden, noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that usually happens involuntarily. It is often a symptom of a cold, the flu, or an irritation in the throat.

stomachache

A1

A pain in a person's stomach or the area around it. It is a common symptom often caused by eating too much, poor digestion, or a mild illness.

dizzy

A1

Dizzy describes a feeling where you feel like you are spinning or losing your balance. It often happens when you are sick or if you turn around in circles very quickly.

nausea

A1

Nausea is the feeling of being sick in your stomach and wanting to vomit. It often happens when you are ill, traveling in a car, or after eating bad food.

vomit

A1

Vomit is the food and liquid that comes out of your stomach through your mouth when you are sick. It is the physical substance produced after throwing up.

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