Reading Theme:
Contagious: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：catching (contagious)
contagious
/kənˈteɪdʒəs/
adj.
A contagious disease can easily spread from one person to another through touch or air.
catching
➕
/ˈkætʃɪŋ/
adj.
When a disease is contagious, it can be passed from one person to another through direct or indirect contact, such as touching or breathing in airborne particles.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Latin 'con-' (together) + 'tangere' (to touch) => 'touching together'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'con-tag': people linked by a 'tag', so a germ or a feeling spreads easily.
📖 Example
The flu is highly contagious, so my mom reminded me to wear a mask at home to protect my little brother.
The flu is highly contagious, so my mom reminded me to wear a mask at home to protect my little brother.
🔗 Collocations
contagious disease – a disease that spreads by contact
contagious virus – a virus that is easily transmitted
highly contagious – very easily spread
🔄 Synonyms
catching (adj.) – easily transmitted from person to person
transmissible (adj.) – capable of being passed from one person to another
communicable (adj.) – able to be communicated or transferred
🚫 Antonyms
noncontagious (adj.) – not spreading by contact
noninfectious (adj.) – not capable of causing infection or spreading
isolated (adj.) – separated from others to prevent spread
🌱 Derivatives
contagiously (adv.) – in a manner that spreads easily
contagiousness (n.) – the quality of being contagious
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'contagio' (contact). Initially used for disease spread via touch. Now also metaphorically for emotions spreading quickly in groups.
Meaning 2：infectious (contagious)
contagious
/kənˈteɪdʒəs/
adj.
A contagious feeling or behavior spreads quickly among people because it's strong and attractive.
infectious
➕
/ɪnˈfekʃəs/
adj.
A contagious feeling or behavior is one that spreads quickly among people, often because it is strong, attractive, or compelling, like laughter or enthusiasm.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her contagious enthusiasm for the new project got the whole team excited and motivated.
Her contagious enthusiasm for the new project got the whole team excited and motivated.
🔗 Collocations
contagious laugh – a laugh that makes others laugh too
contagious enthusiasm – enthusiasm that spreads to others
contagious smile – a smile that causes others to smile
🔄 Synonyms
infectious (adj.) – quickly influencing others, especially emotions or behavior
catchy (adj.) – likely to appeal and be remembered, often used for songs or ideas
spreading (adj.) – tending to extend to others
🚫 Antonyms
contained (adj.) – kept within limits, not spreading
dampening (adj.) – reducing enthusiasm or energy
uninspiring (adj.) – not causing others to feel excited or motivated
🌱 Derivatives
contagiously (adv.) – in a manner that spreads easily
contagiousness (n.) – the quality of being contagious
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