Get Your Word's Worth and Say Exactly What You Mean
Word Choice Creative Writing Tip #1
Infectious is from the Latin inficere and means to taint. (An infectious disease is spread by agencies such as air and water.)
Contagious is from the Latin tangere and means to touch. (A contagious disease is transmitted by touching.)
When considering the figurative uses of these words, infectious suggests that something is irresistible and contagious places an emphasis on quickness and speed.
- His laughter was infectious and soon we were laughing with him.
- Shots rang out and a contagious fear spread through the theatre.
I hope this post helps you choose the word that will express exactly what you wish to say.
Thanks for reading,
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