infectiously
|in-fec-tious-ly|
/ɪnˈfɛkʃəs/
(infectious)
spreading disease
Etymology
'infectiously' (via 'infectious') ultimately originates from Latin, specifically the word 'infectiosus' (from the past participle 'infectus' of 'inficere'), where 'inficere' meant 'to dye, stain, taint, or poison' in classical Latin.
'infectus' (Latin past participle of 'inficere') passed into Old French as 'infecter' and Middle English as 'infect'; the adjective 'infectious' was formed in English with the suffix '-ous', and the adverbial form 'infectiously' was later formed with the suffix '-ly'.
Initially it referred to staining, poisoning, or corrupting ('to taint'), but over time the sense shifted to the transmission of disease and then broadened figuratively to mean the rapid spreading of emotions or behaviors.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state of being infected or the condition caused by a pathogenic organism (definition of the related noun 'infection').
He was treated for a chest infection.
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Noun 2
the quality or degree to which something is infectious or likely to spread (definition of the related noun 'infectiousness').
The infectiousness of the virus can vary depending on the strain.
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Verb 1
to transmit a disease to (someone or something); to contaminate or cause to become infected. Also: to affect someone with an emotion that spreads to others (definition of the related verb 'infect').
If the wound is not treated it may become infected.
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Adjective 1
(of disease, emotion, etc.) capable of being transmitted or likely to spread rapidly to others (definition of the base form 'infectious').
His enthusiasm was infectious, and the whole team felt motivated.
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Adverb 1
in a way that spreads disease, feelings, or behaviors rapidly to others; so as to be contagious (especially of laughter, enthusiasm, etc.).
She laughed infectiously, and soon everyone in the room was laughing too.
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Last updated: 2025/11/13 11:21