What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contagious
Example
The flu is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person. [contagious: adjective]
Example
Her laughter was contagious, and soon everyone in the room was laughing too. [contagious: adjective]
infectious
Example
The patient was diagnosed with an infectious disease and was immediately quarantined. [infectious: adjective]
Example
Her enthusiasm for the project was infectious, and soon everyone was eager to get involved. [infectious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contagious is more commonly used than infectious in everyday language, especially when referring to diseases that spread through contact or proximity. Infectious is more commonly used in medical contexts to describe diseases caused by pathogens.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between contagious and infectious?
Infectious is generally considered more formal than contagious, as it is more commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.
