Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Allergic: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：hypersensitive (allergic)

allergic 🔊

/əˈlɜːrdʒɪk/

adj.

Reacting badly to something, like getting a rash or sneezing.

Allergic reaction illustration showing person with discomfort near pollen and flowers.

hypersensitive 🔊

➕

/ˌhaɪpərˈsensətɪv/

adj.

Describes a medical condition where the body's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, causing symptoms.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'allos' (other, different) + 'ergon' (work, activity), via German 'allergisch'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'All ERGent ICk!' Your body works (ergon) differently (allos) with an icky reaction.

📖 Example

My friend is allergic to cats, so she starts sneezing whenever she visits my house. 🔊 My friend is hypersensitive to cats, so she starts sneezing whenever she visits my house.

🔗 Collocations

allergic reaction – an adverse bodily response to an allergen

allergic to peanuts – having hypersensitivity to peanuts

severely allergic – experiencing intense or dangerous hypersensitivity

🔄 Synonyms

hypersensitive (adj.) – abnormally or excessively sensitive to a stimulus

sensitive (adj.) – quick to detect or respond to slight changes or influences

🚫 Antonyms

tolerant (adj.) – able to endure or accept a substance without adverse reaction

immune (adj.) – not susceptible or responsive to a particular substance

🌱 Derivatives

allergy (n.) – a damaging immune response to a substance

allergen (n.) – a substance that causes an allergic reaction

📖 Cultural Story

Coined in 1906 by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet from 'allos' + 'ergon' to describe an altered bodily reactivity. It entered popular culture in the mid-20th century as allergies became widely diagnosed, and later expanded to informal dislike.

Meaning 2：having an aversion to (allergic)

allergic 🔊

/əˈlɜːrdʒɪk/

adj.

Used informally to say you really dislike something.

Cartoon of person allergic to alarm clocks, showing strong dislike and aversion.

having an aversion to 🔊

➕

/ˈhævɪŋ ən əˈvɜːrʒn tuː/

adj.

Used informally to express a strong dislike or intolerance for something non-medical.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I'm allergic to getting up early on weekends; I just love my sleep. 🔊 I have an aversion to getting up early on weekends; I just love my sleep.

🔗 Collocations

allergic to paperwork – strongly disliking administrative tasks

allergic to drama – having an intolerance for unnecessary conflict or excitement

🔄 Synonyms

averse (adj.) – having a strong dislike or opposition to something

opposed (adj.) – disagreeing with or hostile to something

🚫 Antonyms

fond of (adj. phrase) – having an affection or liking for

keen on (adj. phrase) – enthusiastic about or interested in