Difference between disease and illness

Summary

In this video, the host clarifies the difference between 'disease' and 'illness,' two commonly confused terms in English. 'Disease' is explained as a specific medical condition often tied to infections or genetic defects, with examples like cancer and AIDS. In contrast, 'illness' is a more general term for poor health without specifying the cause. The host also highlights common collocations for both words, such as 'curable disease' and 'mental illness.' Viewers are encouraged to create sentences with each term to practice, with a call to like, subscribe, and engage in the comments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The word 'disease' is a specific medical term that refers to conditions caused by infections, genetic defects, or other issues. Examples include cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
• 😀 'Illness' is a more general term that refers to a state of poor health without specifying the exact cause of the health issues.
• 😀 Symptoms are the signs of a disease, which are observed when someone visits a doctor for diagnosis.
• 😀 Common collocations with 'disease' include: curable disease, preventable disease, rare disease, degenerative disease, communicable disease, and heart/liver disease.
• 😀 'Communicable diseases', such as the common cold, can pass from one person to another, making them contagious.
• 😀 An 'outbreak of a disease' refers to a situation where many people in a specific area are affected, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 The word 'illness' can be used to describe mental health problems in general, while specific conditions like schizophrenia fall under this category.
• 😀 Collocations with 'illness' include: serious illness, minor illness, chronic illness, and fatal illness.
• 😀 'Chronic illness' refers to long-term conditions that do not go away and may recur over time.
• 😀 'Fatal' or 'terminal' illness refers to conditions that will ultimately lead to a person’s death.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to make their own sentences using the words 'disease' and 'illness' in the comments for personalized feedback.

Q & A

What is the main difference between 'disease' and 'illness'?

'Disease' is a specific medical term for a condition where the body is not functioning correctly due to factors like infections, genetic defects, or other health issues. 'Illness,' on the other hand, is a more general term describing poor health without specifying the cause.

Can 'disease' and 'illness' be used interchangeably?

No, 'disease' and 'illness' cannot always be used interchangeably. 'Disease' refers to specific medical conditions, while 'illness' is a broader term and can refer to any poor health condition, regardless of the cause.

What are some common examples of diseases mentioned in the video?

The video mentions cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as examples of diseases.

What are 'symptoms' in the context of diseases?

Symptoms are the signs that indicate the presence of a disease. They are the physical or mental effects experienced by a person due to the disease.

What is a 'curable disease'?

A curable disease is a condition that can be treated and healed, allowing the person to recover fully.

What does 'degenerative disease' mean?

A degenerative disease is one that causes a person's health to progressively worsen over time, leading to severe health deterioration.

What is meant by a 'communicable disease'?

A communicable disease is one that can be transmitted from one person to another. Examples include the common cold or COVID-19.

How does 'illness' differ from 'disease' in terms of meaning?

Illness is a general term for any condition of poor health, without specifying the cause, while disease refers to specific medical conditions caused by identifiable factors like infections or genetic issues.

What are some common collocations with 'illness'?

Common collocations with 'illness' include mental illness, serious illness, minor illness, chronic illness, and fatal illness.

What are some common phrases used to describe the beginning of illness or disease?

Some common phrases include 'contract an illness,' 'catch an illness,' and 'develop an illness.' These terms describe the onset of becoming sick.