contagious
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes a disease that you can catch by being near or touching an infected person.
capable of being transmitted by infection or direct contact. Often used to describe the disease itself or the person carrying it.
Simple“The doctor said he is still contagious, so he should stay home from school.”
In context“Public health officials warned that the new strain of the virus is highly contagious, requiring stricter quarantine measures for those exposed.”
PitfallHe is contagious of the flu. He is contagious with the flu.Use 'with' to specify the illness, or simply say 'he is contagious' to mean he can spread it.
SynonymsAntonymsnon contagiousharmless - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes a feeling, like a laugh or a yawn, that quickly spreads to other people.
tending to spread from person to person through social contact or imitation; used figuratively for emotions, moods, or behaviours.
Simple“Her laughter was contagious, and soon the whole room was giggling.”
In context“The captain's sense of calm proved contagious, steadying the nerves of the younger players as they entered the final minutes of the match.”
Synonyms
From Old French contagieus, from Late Latin contagiosus, from contagio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.