illness — a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪlnəs/
Example Sentences
- His imaginary illness always occurs on Monday mornings.
- The doctor diagnosed her illness as a severe case of shopping addiction.
- Early detection can prevent many serious illnesses.
illness
NOUN[/ˈɪlnəs/]
a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'illness' emerged in the 14th century from the combination of the adjective 'ill' (meaning sick or unwell) with the Old English suffix '-ness' (denoting a state or condition). This formation reflects the common medieval practice of creating abstract nouns from adjectives to denote conditions or qualities.
Breakdown
ill (sick, unwell) + -ness (state or condition). The suffix '-ness' derives from Old English and is used to convert adjectives into abstract nouns expressing the quality or state of being.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His imaginary illness always occurs on Monday mornings.”
“The doctor diagnosed her illness as a severe case of shopping addiction.”
“Early detection can prevent many serious illnesses.”
“Mental illness requires the same attention as physical illness.”
📚Related Words
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