contagious Definition
- 1(of a disease) spread from one person or organism to another by direct or indirect contact
- 2(of an emotion, feeling, or attitude) likely to spread to and affect others
Using contagious: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contagious" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Measles is a highly contagious disease.
Example
Her laughter was contagious and soon everyone was laughing.
Example
The virus is easily contagious through coughing and sneezing.
Example
His enthusiasm for the project was contagious and soon the whole team was motivated.
contagious Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for contagious
Antonyms for contagious
- noninfectious
- nontransmissible
Phrases with contagious
a smile that is so infectious that it makes others smile too
Example
She had a contagious smile that could light up a room.
a high level of energy that is so infectious that it motivates others to be energetic too
Example
His contagious energy was what made him a great leader.
a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another through direct or indirect contact
Example
The hospital was quarantined due to an outbreak of a contagious disease.
Origins of contagious
from Latin 'contagiosus', from 'contagio', meaning 'touching, contact'
Summary: contagious in Brief
The term 'contagious' [kənˈteɪdʒəs] refers to the ability of a disease or an emotion to spread from one person or organism to another through direct or indirect contact. It is often used to describe diseases like measles and emotions like laughter and enthusiasm. Phrases like 'contagious smile' and 'contagious energy' denote the infectious nature of positive qualities. 'Contagious' has formal synonyms like 'infectious' and 'transmissible,' and informal ones like 'catchy' and 'spreadable.'
