infectious
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes a disease that can be passed from one person to another through germs or viruses.
relating to a disease caused by a pathogen that enters the body and is capable of being transmitted to other hosts.
Simple“The doctor warned that the flu is highly infectious during the first few days.”
In context“Public health officials monitored the outbreak closely, concerned by how infectious the new strain appeared to be in densely populated urban areas.”
SynonymsAntonymsnon infectiousharmless - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes a feeling or behavior, like a laugh or a smile, that quickly spreads to other people.
tending to spread from person to person through social contact or emotional resonance.
Simple“Her infectious laugh soon had everyone in the room giggling along with her.”
In context“The team captain's infectious enthusiasm served as a catalyst for the younger players, lifting their spirits despite the early deficit in the score.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
describes something very exciting or catchy that makes people want to join in.
evoking excitement or interest in a way that is easily picked up by an audience or group.
Simple“The band played a song with an infectious beat that got everyone dancing.”
In context“The marketing campaign relied on an infectious energy that resonated with younger consumers, leading to a rapid increase in brand recognition.”
SynonymsAntonymsboringuninspiring
Usage infectious disease
“They’re clearly over the moon – and it’s infectious.”
“As an infectious disease epidemiologist , I study the reasons for changes in population health risks around the world.”
Borrowed from New Latin īnfectiōsus. By surface analysis, infect + -ious.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.