symptom
SIHM-tuhm
Symptom (noun) means a physical or mental sign felt by a person that indicates illness or disorder, such as pain or fatigue. Example: “A sore throat is a common symptom of the flu.”
noun
1
A physical or mental sign felt by a person that indicates illness or disorder, such as pain or fatigue.
"A sore throat is a common symptom of the flu."
"Doctors asked her to describe her symptoms in detail."
"Feeling very tired all the time can be a symptom of many illnesses."
2
A sign that something else, often something undesirable, is present or happening.
"Rising crime rates can be a symptom of deeper economic problems."
"Constant arguing in the team may be a symptom of too much stress."
"Empty shops on the high street can be a symptom of a struggling town."
How to use symptom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sign of an underlying problem — whether it's a medical condition or a wider issue.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
show symptoms
symptom of
flu symptoms
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Word forms
- Plural
- symptoms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A sore throat is a common _____ of the flu.
Etymology
From Greek symptoma, "a happening" or "accident," from syn- ("together") + piptein ("to fall").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Treatment of symptoms versus treatment of cause
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “symptom” mean?
The word “symptom” means a physical or mental sign felt by a person that indicates illness or disorder, such as pain or fatigue. In plain terms, a sign of an underlying problem — whether it's a medical condition or a wider issue.
How do you pronounce “symptom”?
“Symptom” is pronounced SIHM-tuhm (/ˈsɪm(p)təm/ in IPA).
How do you use “symptom” in a sentence?
Here is “symptom” used in a sentence: “A sore throat is a common symptom of the flu.”
What is another word for “symptom”?
Words with a similar meaning to “symptom” include indication, manifestation, sign and signal.
What is the opposite of “symptom”?
The opposite of “symptom” — its antonyms — is Treatment of symptoms versus treatment of cause.
What part of speech is “symptom”?
“Symptom” is a noun.
Where does the word “symptom” come from?
The word “symptom” comes from Greek. From Greek symptoma, "a happening" or "accident," from syn- ("together") + piptein ("to fall").
Is “symptom” a common word?
“Symptom” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a symptom and a sign in medicine?
A symptom is something a person subjectively feels or experiences, such as pain or fatigue, and it is reported by the patient rather than directly observed. A sign, by contrast, is objectively observable or measurable by another person, such as a fever detected with a thermometer. Symptoms are felt; signs are seen or measured.
Can symptom be used outside of medical contexts?
Yes, symptom is often used figuratively to describe a sign that something else, usually undesirable, is happening or present, such as rising complaints being a symptom of low morale. This broader sense applies to social, economic, or organizational problems, not just physical illness.
What is the difference between a symptom and a cause?
A symptom is an indicator that a problem exists, while a cause is the underlying reason the problem occurred in the first place. Treating only the symptom, such as pain, does not address the cause, such as an infection, which is why symptom and cause are often contrasted in diagnostic and problem-solving discussions.
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