A2noun 1K

Virus

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈvaɪrəs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈvaɪrəs/"]/

Meaning of Virus

a living thing, too small to be seen without a microscope, that causes disease in people, animals and plants

In simple words: A tiny living thing that can make you sick.

Virus in a sentence

• The doctor explained how a virus can spread from one person to another.
• A computer virus can corrupt your files and damage your system.
• The scientist studied the virus to find a cure.

How to use Virus

Use 'virus' in medical or technical contexts. Avoid colloquial settings unless joking or referencing technology (e.g., computer virus).

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'violin' — imagine a tiny violin string being played by a germ.

Related words

Collocations with Virus

• deadly
• killer
• lethal
• be infected with
• catch
• contract
• infect somebody/​something
• attack somebody/​something
• kill somebody/​something
• infection
• vaccine
• transmission
• deadly
• killer
• lethal
• be infected with
• catch
• contract
• infect somebody/​something
• attack somebody/​something
• kill somebody/​something
• infection
• vaccine
• transmission
• computer
• email
• be infected with
• create
• develop
• attack something
• destroy something
• spread
• threat
• warning
• protection

Synonyms for Virus

• germ
• pathogen
• infection
• microbe
• bug

Opposites of Virus

• antibody
• health

Common mistakes with Virus

• Confused with 'bacteria' as they are different types of germs.
• Using 'viruses' incorrectly in singular contexts.
• Mispronouncing it as 'virous' rather than 'virus'.

Frequently asked questions about Virus

What does Virus mean?

A tiny living thing that can make you sick.

What is the definition of Virus?

a living thing, too small to be seen without a microscope, that causes disease in people, animals and plants

How do you use Virus in a sentence?

The doctor explained how a virus can spread from one person to another.

Can you give another example of Virus?

A computer virus can corrupt your files and damage your system.

What are synonyms for Virus?

Common alternatives include germ, pathogen, infection, microbe, bug.

What is the opposite of Virus?

Opposite meanings include antibody, health.

What words go with Virus?

It commonly pairs with deadly, killer, lethal, be infected with, catch, contract, infect somebody/​something, attack somebody/​something, kill somebody/​something, infection, vaccine, transmission, deadly, killer, lethal, be infected with, catch, contract, infect somebody/​something, attack somebody/​something, kill somebody/​something, infection, vaccine, transmission, computer, email, be infected with, create, develop, attack something, destroy something, spread, threat, warning, protection.

What are common mistakes when using Virus?

Confused with 'bacteria' as they are different types of germs. Using 'viruses' incorrectly in singular contexts. Mispronouncing it as 'virous' rather than 'virus'.

How do you pronounce Virus?

US: /["/ˈvaɪrəs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈvaɪrəs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Virus?

Use 'virus' in medical or technical contexts. Avoid colloquial settings unless joking or referencing technology (e.g., computer virus).

What CEFR level is Virus?

"Virus" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.