plague - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
plague Word Meanings
- a contagious bacterial disease, particularly the bubonic plague
- a widespread affliction or calamity
- to annoy or trouble continually
plague Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
plague Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pleɪɡ/
US
/pleɪɡ/
plague Word Etymology
plague = plag- (to strike) + -gue (expressing the action); Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Visualize a swarm of people struck down by a sudden, severe illness, wreaking havoc on their lives, illustrating both the physical and emotional toll.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Plague is a word with two broad meanings. It can name a contagious bacterial disease, historically responsible for vast suffering and death, notably the bubonic plague, but it also describes any severe, widespread outbreak of illness. In a broader sense, plague is used metaphorically to denote a persistent affliction or problem that troubles a region or community, such as a plague of pests, crime, or corruption. As a verb, to plague means to trouble or pester someone continually. Because the term carries heavy historical weight, learners should mind tone and context: reserve plague for serious disease or calamities, and use milder words like problem, affliction, or nuisance when the situation is less dramatic.
Usage Reminders
- Identify the two noun senses and the verb sense
- Use plague in historical or serious contexts for disease or calamities
- Avoid overusing it for minor problems
- Pair with adjectives like deadly, widespread, or persistent
- Know phrases like plague of locusts or plague on both houses
- Practice with to plague someone by followed by a noun
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing plague with minor problems and everyday annoyances
- Using plague only for disease, ignoring metaphorical senses
- Mistaking plague as a plural noun rather than a mass noun in some contexts
- Forgetting the verb form to plague requires a direct object
- Overgeneralizing the metaphor to trivial frustrations
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate literal disease terms from strong metaphorical uses; learners often overextend plague to minor irritations or misapply the verb without a direct object.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three main senses (disease, metaphor, verb)
- Use with specific collocations like plague of locusts
- Remember to pair to plague with a direct object
- Note the historical tone when discussing the disease
- Avoid overusing for minor annoyances in formal writing
- Practice distinguishing literal vs figurative context in reading
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'plague'?
A.A disaster
B.A structure
C.A disease
D.A beverage
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'plague' correctly?
A.He enjoys a refreshing plague after work.
B.Plague is the key to success.
C.She built a beautiful plague in her backyard.
D.The city was hit by a terrible plague of locusts.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'plague'?
A.Curse
B.Joy
C.Benefit
D.Victory
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite (antonym) for 'plague'?
A.Heal
B.Destroy
C.Celebrate
D.Avoid
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you encounter the word 'plague'?
A.In a fashion magazine highlighting the latest trends.
B.In a cookbook featuring delicious plagues.
C.In a children's book about happy animals.
D.In a history book discussing the medieval plague outbreaks.
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