catching

/ˈkætʃɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkætʃɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈka-chiŋ ˈke-/ (ame, mw)

catching — adjective

1. describes a disease or illness that spreads very easily from a sick person to a

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a disease or illness that spreads very easily from a sick person to a healthy person, often through physical contact or through the air.

例句

The school nurse said the rash is catching and told us to wash the bedsheets.

predicative: be + catching

Hana stayed home because her cough was still catching and the doctor ordered rest.

同義詞
  • contagious

    the standard, neutral term for illnesses that spread by contact; more common than 'catching' in both speech and writing

  • infectious

    often used for diseases that spread through air, water, or indirect means; has a slightly more clinical feel

  • transmissible

    formal medical term; rarely used in everyday conversation

反義詞
  • non-contagious

    the most direct opposite; describes an illness that does not spread between people

  • non-infectious

    common in medical contexts for conditions that are not caused by an infectious agent

文法句型

be + catching

用法筆記

This adjective is used predicatively — it comes after a linking verb (be, become, stay, remain) — and is not placed directly before a noun. It is less formal and far less common than 'contagious' or 'infectious' in modern English. Many native speakers now find it slightly old-fashioned, though it is still understood. Typical subjects are common childhood illnesses (chickenpox, measles, flu) or skin conditions (rashes, spots).

常見錯誤

❌The doctor said it is a catching disease.
✅The doctor said the disease is catching.
💡Catching is used predicatively (after 'is'), not attributively before a noun.
❌The virus is very catching, so be careful.
✅The virus is very contagious, so be careful.
💡In formal or medical writing, use 'contagious' or 'infectious' instead of 'catching'.