B2 noun Neutral

immunity

/ɪˈmjuː.nə.ti/

The state of being resistant to a specific disease or infection through the presence of antibodies. It also refers to a legal status where an individual is exempt from certain duties, taxes, or prosecution.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Drinking orange juice and getting enough sleep can help boost your immunity during flu season.

Consuming vitamin C and resting helps strengthen your body's natural defense against the flu.

2

The court ruled that the official was entitled to sovereign immunity regarding his actions in office.

The legal system decided the official was protected from being sued for his professional conduct.

3

I've heard that bad jokes are like a virus, but luckily I've developed a bit of immunity to yours.

I have become used to your bad jokes and they no longer bother me.

Word Family

Noun
immunity
Verb
immunize
Adjective
immune
Related
immunization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Community'. 'Immunity' is what keeps the 'Community' safe from diseases and outside threats.

Quick Quiz

The witness was granted ______ from prosecution in exchange for providing evidence against the gang leader.

Correct!

The correct answer is: immunity

Examples

1

Drinking orange juice and getting enough sleep can help boost your immunity during flu season.

everyday

Consuming vitamin C and resting helps strengthen your body's natural defense against the flu.

2

The court ruled that the official was entitled to sovereign immunity regarding his actions in office.

formal

The legal system decided the official was protected from being sued for his professional conduct.

3

I've heard that bad jokes are like a virus, but luckily I've developed a bit of immunity to yours.

informal

I have become used to your bad jokes and they no longer bother me.

4

Herd immunity is achieved when a significant percentage of a population has become immune to an infectious disease.

academic

A population is protected when enough individuals are resistant to a pathogen to stop its spread.

5

The contract includes a clause providing the consultant with immunity from liability for indirect losses.

business

The agreement states the consultant cannot be held responsible for secondary financial damages.

Word Family

Noun
immunity
Verb
immunize
Adjective
immune
Related
immunization

Common Collocations

diplomatic immunity Exemption from local laws for foreign diplomats
herd immunity General resistance to a disease in a population
grant immunity To officially provide legal protection or exemption
natural immunity Resistance to disease developed without medical intervention
build immunity To strengthen the body's defense system over time

Common Phrases

immunity from prosecution

A promise that someone will not be charged with a crime

acquired immunity

Immunity that develops after exposure to an antigen

judicial immunity

Protection for judges against liability for their judicial acts

Often Confused With

immunity vs impunity

Immunity is the state of being protected or exempt, while impunity specifically refers to doing something wrong without being punished.

immunity vs immunization

Immunity is the result or state of being resistant, whereas immunization is the process/action of making someone immune.

📝

Usage Notes

In a biological context, it is usually followed by 'to' (e.g., immunity to measles). In a legal context, it is often followed by 'from' (e.g., immunity from taxes).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the adjective 'immune' when they need the noun 'immunity', for example, saying 'He has immune' instead of 'He has immunity'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Community'. 'Immunity' is what keeps the 'Community' safe from diseases and outside threats.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'immunitas', which referred to exemption from public service or taxes.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun when referring to biological resistance Countable noun when referring to specific legal exemptions (immunities) Commonly followed by the prepositions 'to' or 'from'
🌍

Cultural Context

The term 'herd immunity' became globally prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing public health policies worldwide.

Quick Quiz

The witness was granted ______ from prosecution in exchange for providing evidence against the gang leader.

Correct!

The correct answer is: immunity

Related Words

arbiter

B2

An arbiter is a person or authority who has the power to settle a dispute or decide what is right, acceptable, or fashionable. It can refer to a formal legal role or a metaphorical judge of cultural and social standards.

arbitrarily

C2

To act in a way that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. It often implies a decision-making process that is perceived as unfair or lacking logical justification.

arbitrariness

C1

The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason, system, or logical necessity. It often describes decisions, rules, or actions that appear unfair or unpredictable because they lack a clear underlying principle.

arbitrator

C2

A neutral third party officially appointed to settle a dispute between two conflicting parties outside of a court of law. Their role is to hear evidence from both sides and issue a final, typically legally binding, decision known as an award.

arboreal

B2

Arboreal describes animals that live in trees or things relating to trees. It is most commonly used in biological contexts to distinguish tree-dwelling species from those that live on the ground or in water.

appreciate

B2

To recognize the full worth or quality of something, or to be grateful for a gesture or action. It can also mean to understand a situation fully or to increase in value over time.

approbate

C1

To formally or officially sanction, approve, or authorize an action, document, or status. It is typically used in legal, ecclesiastical, or high-level administrative contexts to indicate authoritative validation.

approve

C1

Officially sanctioned or accepted as being of an adequate standard or satisfying certain requirements. It describes something that has received formal authorization or endorsement from a person or body in authority.

apropos

B2

Something that is apropos is very appropriate or relevant to a particular situation or subject being discussed. It describes a remark, action, or timing that fits perfectly with the current circumstances.

arboretum

C1

A botanical garden specifically devoted to the cultivation and exhibition of a wide variety of trees and shrubs for scientific or educational purposes. It serves as a living collection of woody plants, often featuring rare or non-native species.

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