adj
Uncommon
contagious
kuhn-TAYD-zhuhs
Contagious (adj) means Capable of being passed from one person to another through contact. Example: “The flu is highly contagious during the first few days of symptoms.”
adj
1
Capable of being passed from one person to another through contact.
"The flu is highly contagious during the first few days of symptoms."
2
Quickly spreading to others, especially of moods or behavior.
"Her laughter was so contagious that soon the whole room was laughing."
How to use contagious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasily spread to others, whether it's an illness or an attitude.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
highly contagious
contagious laughter
contagious disease
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like contagious.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more contagious
- Superlative
- most contagious
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The flu is highly _____ during the first few days of symptoms.
Etymology
From Old French contagieus, from Late Latin contagiosus, from contagio ("contagion").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contagious
See all rhymes for contagious →Frequently asked questions
What does “contagious” mean?
The word “contagious” means capable of being passed from one person to another through contact. In plain terms, easily spread to others, whether it's an illness or an attitude.
How do you pronounce “contagious”?
“Contagious” is pronounced kuhn-TAYD-zhuhs (/kənˈteɪdʒəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “contagious” in a sentence?
Here is “contagious” used in a sentence: “The flu is highly contagious during the first few days of symptoms.”
What is another word for “contagious”?
Words with a similar meaning to “contagious” include catching.
What is the opposite of “contagious”?
The opposite of “contagious” — its antonyms — are non-contagious, noncontagious, noninfectious and nontransmissible.
What part of speech is “contagious”?
“Contagious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “contagious” come from?
The word “contagious” comes from Late Latin. From Old French contagieus, from Late Latin contagiosus, from contagio ("contagion").
Is “contagious” a common word?
“Contagious” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "contagious" and "infectious"?
"Contagious" specifically describes something capable of being passed from one person to another through contact, while "infectious" is a broader medical term that can include spread through air, water, or other means, not just direct contact. In everyday speech the two are often used interchangeably despite this technical distinction.
Can "contagious" describe things other than diseases?
Yes, "contagious" also describes moods or behaviors that quickly spread to others, such as "contagious laughter" or "contagious enthusiasm." This figurative use captures how emotions can pass from person to person much like an illness.
Is "contagious" used in formal medical contexts or everyday speech?
"Contagious" is used comfortably in both settings, appearing in medical warnings about disease transmission as well as in casual descriptions of spreading moods or energy. Its meaning shifts slightly depending on whether it is applied literally to illness or figuratively to behavior.
