The difference between Contagious and Infectious
When used as adjectives, contagious means of a disease, easily transmitted to others, whereas infectious means transmitted from one person to another, usually through the air breathed.
check bellow for the other definitions of Contagious and Infectious
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Contagious as an adjective:
Of a disease, easily transmitted to others.
Examples:
"The [[flu]] was so contagious that everybody in town got sick!"
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Contagious as an adjective:
Of a fashion, laughter, etc., easily passed on to others.
Examples:
"Wearing jeans was a contagious [[fad]] at that time."
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Contagious as an adjective:
Of a person, having a disease that can be transmitted to another person by touch.
Examples:
"They were highly contagious, spreading [[bacteria]] to other people."
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Infectious as an adjective (pathology, of an illness):
Transmitted from one person to another, usually through the air breathed.
Examples:
"Cancer is not infectious."
"More infectious diseases like the flu are usually less potent."
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Infectious as an adjective (pathology, of a person):
Able to infect others.
Examples:
"Despite feeling better, the patient is still infectious."
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Infectious as an adjective (of feelings and behaviour):
Spreading quickly from one person to another.
Examples:
"Her enthusiasm for work can be really infectious."
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Infectious as an adjective (informal):
Memorable and invoking excitement or interest.
Examples:
"Pop music is more infectious than elevator music."