adj
contagious
kuhn-TAYD-zhuhs
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
Word Forms
more contagious comparative, most contagious superlative
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The flu is highly _____ during the first few days of symptoms.
Etymology
From Old French contagieus, from Late Latin contagiosus, from contagio ("contagion").