B2 noun Neutral

immune

/ɪˈmjuːn/

Immune describes the state of being protected from a specific disease, typically through vaccination or prior exposure. It can also figuratively refer to being unaffected by something negative, such as criticism, or being exempt from certain duties or legal consequences.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Most people are immune to chickenpox after they have had it once.

Most people are immune to chickenpox after they have had it once.

2

The ambassador is immune from prosecution under the terms of international law.

The ambassador is immune from prosecution under the terms of international law.

3

You must be immune to my jokes by now since you never laugh!

You must be immune to my jokes by now since you never laugh!

Word Family

Noun
immunity
Verb
immunize
Adjective
immune
Related
immunization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'mune' in immune sounding like 'moon.' Imagine a protective dome like a moon base that keeps all the bad germs or problems outside.

Quick Quiz

Working in a high-stress environment for years has made her _____ to pressure.

Correct!

The correct answer is: immune

Examples

1

Most people are immune to chickenpox after they have had it once.

everyday

Most people are immune to chickenpox after they have had it once.

2

The ambassador is immune from prosecution under the terms of international law.

formal

The ambassador is immune from prosecution under the terms of international law.

3

You must be immune to my jokes by now since you never laugh!

informal

You must be immune to my jokes by now since you never laugh!

4

Research indicates that some individuals are naturally immune to certain viral infections.

academic

Research indicates that some individuals are naturally immune to certain viral infections.

5

No industry is completely immune to the fluctuations of the global market.

business

No industry is completely immune to the fluctuations of the global market.

Word Family

Noun
immunity
Verb
immunize
Adjective
immune
Related
immunization

Common Collocations

immune system immune system
immune from prosecution immune from prosecution
immune to criticism immune to criticism
become immune become immune
highly immune highly immune

Common Phrases

immune system

the bodily system that protects against infection

immune to change

unwilling or unable to be altered or influenced

immune from suit

protected from being sued in a court of law

Often Confused With

immune vs immunity

immune vs exempt

📝

Usage Notes

When referring to biological resistance or emotional toughness, 'immune' is usually followed by the preposition 'to'. When referring to legal or official freedom from something, 'immune' is often followed by 'from'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the noun 'immunity' where the adjective 'immune' is needed, for example, saying 'I am immunity to the virus' instead of 'I am immune to the virus.'

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'mune' in immune sounding like 'moon.' Imagine a protective dome like a moon base that keeps all the bad germs or problems outside.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'immunis', meaning 'free from public service' or 'exempt from taxes.'

Grammar Patterns

Usually functions as a predicative adjective (e.g., 'He is immune'). Followed by the preposition 'to' or 'from'. Does not typically have a comparative form (one is rarely 'more immune' than another in a literal sense).
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western legal systems, 'sovereign immunity' is a key concept where the state cannot be sued without its consent.

Quick Quiz

Working in a high-stress environment for years has made her _____ to pressure.

Correct!

The correct answer is: immune

Related Words

cause

A1

To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.

through

A1

Used to describe moving from one side of an opening, area, or object to the other side. It can also refer to the period of time from the beginning to the end of an event.

effective

A2

Something is effective when it successfully produces the intended or desired result. It describes a person, method, or thing that works well and achieves its goal.

epic

A1

A long book, poem, or movie that tells a story about heroes and great events. It usually covers a long period of time and many adventures.

robotics

B2

The branch of technology and engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering to create autonomous or semi-autonomous machines.

dean

B2

A dean is a high-ranking official at a university or college who oversees a specific department, faculty, or administrative area. They are responsible for academic leadership, managing faculty members, and ensuring the general welfare of students within their division.

decade

B2

A period of ten years, typically used to measure time or categorize a specific historical era. It is a common unit of time used to track social, economic, or personal changes over a significant duration.

enable

B2

To provide someone with the means, authority, or opportunity to do something. It also means to make a process or a system possible or operational.

mature

B2

Describing someone who behaves in a sensible, responsible way like an adult, or something that has reached a state of full development. It is often used to describe people, plants, or economic markets that are no longer growing rapidly but are stable.

scheme

B2

A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting an idea into effect. It can also refer to a secretive or devious plot to achieve a goal, often used to describe government programs or organizational systems.

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