What is fever? Pronunciation and usage in English

fever means . Learn how to pronounce and use fever through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fever

fevernoun

/ˈfiːvə/
Definition & pronunciation of fever

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fever" in English. Here's a breakdown:

  • fe - pronounced like "fee" (as in, "fee-fi-fo-fum")
  • ver - pronounced like "veer" (rhymes with "fear")

Putting it together: fee-veer

Here's a helpful tip: Think of it as "fee-veer" – a short "fee" followed by a quick "veer."

You can also hear it pronounced:

  • Google it: Search "how to pronounce fever" on Google and listen to the audio example.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fever/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words in various accents.

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Usage and examples with the word fever in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fever" in English. It's a common word, but it's important to use it correctly.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Fever means an abnormally high body temperature. It's a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or illness.

2. Common Uses & Phrases:

  • "I have a fever." – This is the simplest and most common way to say you're feeling feverish. Example: "I have a fever and a sore throat."
  • "She has a high fever." – Indicates the temperature is significantly elevated.
  • "He's running a fever." – Similar to “has a fever,” but often implies the temperature is currently rising. Example: "He's running a fever of 102°F."
  • "Take your temperature to check for fever." - Describing an action related to measuring body temperature.
  • "The doctor said I have a fever." – Reporting medical advice.

3. Describing the Temperature (Important for Clarity):

  • Degrees Fahrenheit (°F): This is the most common unit used in the US and Canada.
    • Example: "My temperature is 101°F." (This is considered a fever.)
  • Degrees Celsius (°C): Used globally.
    • A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) is often considered a fever.

4. Describing Symptoms Often Associated with Fever:

  • "I'm feeling feverish." - This is a less intense way of saying you have a fever and might not have a precise temperature reading yet.
  • "I'm shivering." – Shivering is a common reaction to a fever.
  • "I'm sweating." – Often accompanies a fever.
  • "I have a headache and a fever." – Combining symptoms.
  • "I'm weak and have a fever." – Describing the feeling associated with a fever.

5. Figurative Usage (Less Common):

  • "He was in a feverish state of excitement." – (Rare) This means he was extremely excited and agitated. It's a metaphorical use, drawing on the feeling of intensity and sometimes restlessness associated with a fever.

6. Important Note on Medical Terms:

  • Hyperthermia: This is a broader term that refers to an abnormally high body temperature, often without an infection. It can be caused by heatstroke, medication, or other medical conditions.
  • Pyrexia: This is a more formal medical term for fever.

Resources for Temperature Conversions:


To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say specifically when you want to use the word "fever"? (e.g., "I want to describe my symptoms," "I'm writing a story," "I'm talking to a doctor")

Practice with vocabulary fever

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After a night of chills and muscle aches, she woke up with a high _____.
  2. The city was gripped by a housing _____ as property prices soared unprecedentedly.
  3. The doctor advised him to monitor his body _____ and seek medical attention if it rose above 38 degrees Celsius.
  4. There was palpable _____ among the team members as they approached the project deadline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of these are common signs of an acute viral infection? a) A high blood pressure reading b) A persistent cough c) A sudden onset of fever d) Joint pain and stiffness

  2. The public's intense desire to invest in the booming tech sector could be described as a speculative _____. a) enthusiasm b) fever c) obsession d) passion

  3. What should one do if experiencing a prolonged low-grade _____? a) Ignore it and continue daily activities. b) Immediately go to the emergency room. c) Consult a medical professional for diagnosis. d) Take over-the-counter pain relievers without further inquiry.

  4. Which term describes a minor illness or discomfort? a) Malady b) Ailment c) Affliction d) Disease

  5. The sudden, involuntary contraction of muscles, often caused by nerve irritation, is known as a _____. a) tremor b) spasm c) convulsion d) twitch

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The patient was feeling very warm and unwell, which was a clear indication of an infection. Rewrite: The patient developed a _____, which was a clear indication of an infection.

  2. Original: The intense public excitement for the upcoming product launch reached unprecedented levels. Rewrite: A _____ of excitement for the upcoming product launch reached unprecedented levels among the public.

  3. Original: The medical team continuously monitored the patient's body heat throughout the night. Rewrite: The medical team continuously monitored the patient's body _____ throughout the night.


Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. fever
  2. fever
  3. temperature
  4. excitement / anticipation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) A persistent cough, c) A sudden onset of fever, d) Joint pain and stiffness
  2. b) fever
  3. c) Consult a medical professional for diagnosis
  4. b) Ailment
  5. b) spasm / c) convulsion

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The patient developed a fever, which was a clear indication of an infection.
  2. A fever of excitement for the upcoming product launch reached unprecedented levels among the public.
  3. The medical team continuously monitored the patient's body temperature throughout the night.

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