infectious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infectious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is capable of being transmitted or spread, often in the context of diseases or emotions. Example: "Her laughter was so infectious that it made everyone in the room smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John, London at Dawn Anthony is a fantastic teacher, not just for his technical skill and keen eye but also his enthusiasm and passion for photography which is highly infectious!

The Guardian

"Laura's smile could light up a room and her infectious laughter will be remembered by many for years to come," her family said in a statement to Newsday.

The Guardian

Back in London, I find a 2008 paper on morgellons in the journal Dermatologic Therapy that describes patients picking "at their skin continuously in order to 'extract' an organism"; "obsessive cleaning rituals, showering often" and individuals going "to many physicians, such as infectious disease specialists and dermatologists" – all behaviours "consistent with DOP".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From bubonic plague in the middle ages to bird flu or Sars in the 21st century, infectious diseases have spread horrifyingly fast in cities, where people live in close proximity and sometimes crowded together.

The Guardian

While infectious and contagious diseases are the most obvious hazard, it is now recognised that the urban environment also has a major part to play in chronic illness.

The Guardian

That could mean that people would not be quick to recognise they had Ebola and were infectious, which could increase the spread.

The Guardian

One attendee, Louise, described Anthony's as 'a fantastic teacher, not just for his technical skill and keen eye but also his enthusiasm and passion for photography which is highly infectious!'.

The Guardian

The think-tank was organised into groups examining five key areas: temperature and extreme weather events, infectious disease, food and water supplies, livelihood and disadvantage, and security, social instability and conflict.

The Guardian

Humans are not infectious until they develop symptoms, which at first are fever, muscle pain, headaches and a sore throat.

The Guardian

His music is infectious, happy-go-lucky, energetic, Dominican, bouncy – a lot of my favorite things.

The Guardian

Professor Jonathan Iredell, an infectious diseases physician who specialises in the transmission of antibiotic resistance, said Australia's national antimicrobial strategy would also mean funding for the sector was more secure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing diseases, use "infectious" to emphasize the ease of transmission, distinguishing it from other illnesses that may be genetic or caused by environmental factors. For example, "Measles is a highly infectious disease."

Common error

Avoid using "infectious" and "infective" interchangeably. "Infectious" describes the ability to spread, while "infective" describes the ability to cause infection. Something that is "infective" may not necessarily be "infectious" if it can't be transmitted.

Linguistic Context

The word "infectious" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something capable of being transmitted or easily spread. Examples from Ludwig, such as "infectious diseases" and "infectious enthusiasm", illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "infectious" is a versatile adjective, primarily used to describe something that can be easily transmitted, whether it's a disease, an emotion, or an idea. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. While often interchanged with "contagious", "infectious" has a broader application, and should not be confused with "infective". To enhance your writing, remember that using "infectious" emphasizes ease of transmission, and that the feeling of success or achieving a goal is also "infectious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contagious

Direct synonym referring to the ease of transmission, often in a medical context.

transmittable

Focuses on the ability to be passed on, whether literally or figuratively.

catching

Informal term suggesting easy acquisition or adoption.

spreading

Emphasizes the dispersal or propagation of something.

pervasive

Indicates widespread presence or influence.

rife

Suggests abundance and rapid spread, often of something negative.

rampant

Implies uncontrolled or unrestrained spread.

influential

Highlights the power to affect or sway others.

compelling

Focuses on the ability to provoke interest or action.

engaging

Emphasizes the capacity to attract and hold attention.

FAQs

How is "infectious" used in a sentence?

The word "infectious" can be used to describe something easily spread, like a disease or enthusiasm. For example, "The flu is an infectious disease", or "Her laughter was infectious".

What can I say instead of "infectious"?

You can use alternatives like "contagious", "transmittable", or "catching", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "infectious disease" or "infective disease"?

"Infectious disease" is generally the correct term. While "infective" refers to the ability to cause infection, "infectious" indicates the ability to spread from one person to another.

What's the difference between "infectious" and "contagious"?

While often used interchangeably, "contagious" typically refers to diseases spread through direct contact, while "infectious" is a broader term that encompasses any disease caused by a pathogen that can be transmitted, even indirectly. Not all "infectious" diseases are "contagious".