Infectious
Describing a disease or disease-causing organism that is likely to be transmitted to people or organisms through the environment.
Examples
3 of 5Be careful, this flu is very infectious.
Watch out, this illness spreads easily from person to person.
The ward is strictly for patients with infectious diseases.
This hospital area is only for people with illnesses that spread.
Her enthusiasm is totally infectious!
Her excitement makes everyone else excited too (metaphorical).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Infectious = 'In' (inside) + 'fect' (make) — it 'makes' its way 'inside' others.
Quick Quiz
Chickenpox is a highly ____ disease common among children.
Correct!
The correct answer is: infectious
Examples
Be careful, this flu is very infectious.
everydayWatch out, this illness spreads easily from person to person.
The ward is strictly for patients with infectious diseases.
formalThis hospital area is only for people with illnesses that spread.
Her enthusiasm is totally infectious!
informalHer excitement makes everyone else excited too (metaphorical).
The study examines the spread of infectious agents in urban environments.
academicThe research looks at how germs spread in cities.
We need to limit infectious contact in the office during peak flu season.
businessWe must reduce how much germs spread at work when flu is common.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
infectious waste
trash that contains germs
period of infectiousness
the time when you can spread a disease
infectious smile
a smile that makes others smile
Often Confused With
Contagious means spread by touch; infectious means spread by germs (often through air/water).
Usage Notes
Commonly used both literally for diseases and figuratively for emotions like laughter or excitement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'infective' instead of 'infectious', but 'infectious' is much more common.
Memory Tip
Infectious = 'In' (inside) + 'fect' (make) — it 'makes' its way 'inside' others.
Word Origin
From Latin 'infectiosus', from 'inficere' (to taint or dye).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Chickenpox is a highly ____ disease common among children.
Correct!
The correct answer is: infectious
Related Vocabulary
More health words
hospital
A1A hospital is a large building where doctors and nurses provide medical care for people who are sick or injured. It contains specialized equipment and rooms for treatments, surgeries, and staying overnight while recovering.
healthy
A2Healthy describes someone who is in good physical or mental condition and is not ill. It can also describe activities, food, or environments that help you stay well and strong.
Prescription
B2A formal document or digital order issued by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided with a specific medicine or treatment. It can also refer to the medicine itself.
Symptom
B2A physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient.
Diagnosis
B2The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms and signs.
Physician
B2A person qualified to practice medicine, especially one who specializes in diagnosis and medical treatment rather than surgery.
Chronic
B2Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. Usually applied to a medical condition that lasts for three months or more.
Vaccinate
B2To treat a person or animal with a vaccine to produce immunity against a particular infectious disease or pathogen.
Recover
B2To return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after a period of illness, injury, or setback.
Treatment
B2Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury. It includes the use of medicine, surgery, or therapy to improve a condition.
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