noncontagious

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /nɒn.kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

KK: /nɑnˈkɒn.tɪ.dʒəs/

adjective

Definition

This word describes a condition or disease that cannot be spread from one person to another.

Example

The doctor confirmed that the illness was noncontagious, so there was no need to isolate the patient.

Conversation

I heard that the flu going around is noncontagious this year.

Really? That's a relief!

Yeah, it means we don't have to worry about catching it from each other.

Exactly! We can still hang out without any worries.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

isolated

harmless

safe

Antonyms

contagious

infectious

transmissible

Root Explanation

Noncontagious → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "contagious" (from Latin "contagiosus", meaning touching or transmitted by contact). The word "noncontagious" means not capable of being transmitted by contact or not spreading from one person to another.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being added to 'contagious', which means something that cannot be spread through touch or contact.

Visually Confused Words

uncontagious