immunity
immunity
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "immunity" is:
ɪˈmjuːnɪti
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
im- (ɪ):
Unstressed short vowel "i" sound like in "bit"
mu- (mjuː):
"m" sound
Long "oo" sound like in "boot"
ni- (nɪ):
"n" sound
Short vowel "i" sound like in "bit"
ty (tɪ):
"t" sound
Short vowel "i" sound like in "bit”
Word Form Variations
The word "immunity" has several word form variations depending on how you use it in a sentence:
Singular:
immune (adjective): This is the most common form, referring to someone or something resistant to a particular disease, influence, or burden. (e.g., "She is immune to the common cold.")
immunity (noun): This refers to the state of being resistant. (e.g., "Vaccination provides immunity to measles.")
Plural:
immunes (noun): This is the plural form of "immune" used as a noun, referring to multiple people or things with immunity. (e.g., "The herd immunity of the population is decreasing.")
Other related terms:
immunization (noun): The process of introducing a vaccine to create immunity.
immune system (noun): The body's natural defense system against infections.
immunologist (noun): A medical professional specializing in the immune system.
Note: "Immunity" can also be used in a figurative sense, where the singular and plural forms remain the same (e.g., "He seemed immune to criticism").
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Biological: The state of being resistant to a particular infection or disease, caused by the body's immune system or vaccination. (Synonyms: resistance, insusceptibility, protection. Antonyms: vulnerability, susceptibility)
Legal: Exemption from prosecution or legal liability under specific circumstances. (Synonyms: exemption, privilege. Antonyms: accountability, liability)
Adjective:
Resistant: Not susceptible to a particular influence, disease, or burden. (Synonyms: insusceptible, protected, unaffected. Antonyms: susceptible, vulnerable, affected)
Examples of Use
Noun (Biological):
Book: "The recent measles outbreak highlights the importance of childhood vaccinations for herd immunity." (Source: "A Shot in the Arm" by Kathryn Hoppe)
Newspaper: "Scientists are racing to develop a vaccine that can provide long-term immunity against COVID-19." (Source: "The New York Times")
Online Publication: "Breastfeeding can help strengthen a baby's immune system and provide some immunity to certain illnesses." (Source: "WebMD")
Movie: In the movie "Contagion", characters discuss the race to develop immunity to a deadly virus.
Public Discourse: During a public health campaign, officials might emphasize the importance of "building immunity" through vaccination.
Noun (Legal):
Newspaper: "The ambassador enjoys diplomatic immunity and cannot be arrested by the local authorities." (Source: "The Washington Post")
TV Show: In a legal drama series, a character might argue for immunity from prosecution based on witness protection.
Adjective:
Book: "The superhero seemed immune to all physical attacks." (Source: "The Adventures of Captain Comet")
Newspaper Headline: "Economy Shows Immunity to Recent Political Turmoil" (Source: "Financial Times")
Social Media: "I'm feeling so stressed lately, I'm immune to bad news!" (Social media post)
Song Lyrics: "She's got a smile that I'm immune to, a voice that I can't refuse." (Song: "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette)
Daily Conversation: "My friend seems immune to caffeine - they can drink coffee all night and fall right asleep."
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Immunity
While "immunity" is a common word, you might notice famous quotes that directly use it are less frequent. Here are ten quotes that capture the essence of immunity in different ways:
"The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance." - Socrates (This quote emphasizes knowledge as a defense against manipulation, similar to how immunity protects against disease.)
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire (This quote reflects the importance of a questioning mind, which can be seen as a form of intellectual immunity against misinformation.)
"He who has conquered himself is the mightiest warrior." - Gautama Buddha (This quote highlights self-mastery as a form of mental and emotional resilience, akin to immune system strength.)
"A stitch in time saves nine." - Proverb (This proverb emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, similar to how vaccination provides immunity.)
"Forewarned is forearmed." - English Proverb (Similar to the previous proverb, this emphasizes preparedness as a form of defense.)
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all." - Emily Dickinson (Hope can be seen as a form of emotional immunity, providing strength during difficult times.)
"The only source of knowledge is experience." - Albert Einstein (This quote emphasizes learning from experience, similar to how the immune system builds immunity after exposure to a virus.)
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." - Gloria Steinem (This quote highlights facing uncomfortable truths as a form of intellectual and emotional growth, building resilience.)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (This quote emphasizes the power of positive thoughts and self-belief, which can contribute to overall well-being.)
"The body is a garden, not a machine. To keep it healthy and productive, we must cultivate it with care." - Roderick Macdonald (This quote emphasizes taking care of oneself to maintain overall health, similar to how a strong immune system protects against illness.)
Etymology
The word "immunity" is like a superhero cape – it protects you from something! But the word itself has a surprising origin.
Way back in ancient Rome, they had a word called "immunis." This didn't mean being resistant to disease, but rather being exempt from duties like taxes, military service, or chores. Basically, it meant you got a free pass!
Over time, that word traveled across Europe and eventually landed in English around the 14th century. The meaning shifted a bit. Instead of being free from duties, it became about being free from something negative, like a disease. It was like an invisible shield protecting you.
So, even though the original meaning was about avoiding burdens, the new meaning stuck. Today, "immunity" is all about being resistant to something that could harm you, whether it's a sickness or something else entirely.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Immunity
Common Phrases:
Herd immunity: This refers to the indirect protection that a population gains from a high number of individuals being immune to a particular disease. (e.g., "Vaccination programs help to achieve herd immunity.")
Acquired immunity: This describes immunity developed after exposure to a disease or through vaccination. (e.g., "Having chickenpox as a child provides acquired immunity to future outbreaks.")
Compromised immunity: This refers to a weakened immune system that makes someone more susceptible to infections. (e.g., "Certain medications can compromise immunity.")
Diplomatic immunity: This is the legal exemption from prosecution enjoyed by diplomats in a foreign country. (e.g., "The ambassador has diplomatic immunity and cannot be arrested by the local police.")
Idiomatic Expressions:
Immune to criticism: This means someone is not affected by criticism or negative comments. (e.g., "The politician seemed immune to criticism about his policies.")
Build up immunity: This refers to strengthening one's immune system, either naturally or through vaccination. (e.g., "Eating a healthy diet can help build up immunity.")
Not have immunity: This means someone is susceptible to a particular disease or negative influence. (e.g., "No one is immune to the effects of stress.")
Posts Related to Immunity
Source Information
Definition of immunity from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
