Word
HIV
Phoneticshiv
/ˈeɪˈtʃaɪˈvi/
Uncountable noun Medicine
Definition
n. Stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A virus that attacks the body's immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and diseases.
n. Abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A retrovirus that causes the gradual failure of the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells; if left untreated, may progress to AIDS.
Examples
“Modern medicine helps people live long lives with HIV.”
“Regular testing for HIV is a vital part of public health strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.”
“The development of antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a terminal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition for those with access to consistent healthcare.”
Examples
simple
“Modern medicine helps people live long lives with HIV.”
contextual
“Regular testing for HIV is a vital part of public health strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.”
complex
“The development of antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a terminal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition for those with access to consistent healthcare.”
Usage
Usually functions as an uncountable noun; often used as a modifier before other nouns like 'test', 'status', or 'prevention'.
Pitfall
the HIV virus
HIV
The 'V' in HIV already stands for 'virus', so saying 'HIV virus' is redundant.
Real-World Examples
“Mercury had, in fact, tested positive, and six months later his doctors confirmed his HIV had progressed to Aids.” “He was a social worker and I was on stage as a person with HIV.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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