fever
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 5The 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.
The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.
The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.
I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.
I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The baby has a slight fever, so we are giving him plenty of water.
everydayThe baby has a slight fever, so we are giving him plenty of water.
The patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.
formalThe patient's fever has persisted for forty-eight hours despite medication.
I think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.
informalI think I've got a fever; my head is burning up.
Fever is a common physiological response to bacterial or viral pathogens.
academicFever is a common physiological response to bacterial or viral pathogens.
Due to a sudden high fever, the manager will be absent from today's meeting.
businessDue to a sudden high fever, the manager will be absent from today's meeting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
A fever is a symptom (high heat), while the flu is the actual disease caused by a virus.
A shiver is the shaking movement of the body, whereas a fever is the internal heat.
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
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
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Health words
nose
A1The 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
A1The 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
A1The 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
A1The 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
A1The organ in your chest that pumps blood through your body. It is also used to represent the center of your emotions, especially love.
cough
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1Dizzy 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
A1Nausea 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
A1Vomit 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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