sick - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sick Word Meanings
- feeling ill or unwell
- affected by physical or mental illness
- unpleasant or disgusting in appearance
sick Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sick Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/sɪk/
US
/sɪk/
sick Word Etymology
The word 'sick' comes from the Old English 'sēoc', which means 'ill, disease'. The root can be broken down into the original Germanic roots denoting suffering. Imagine a wilted flower, representing something that once thrived but has now succumbed to a sickness, to visualize the feeling of being sick.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
First I push back from the desk, my body folding a little as a soft wave of unease slides in. I hold my breath for a beat, then pull in a slow, careful breath, trying to steady the room from tilting. I adjust my posture and set my feet flat, deciding to rest a moment while the room seems to lean and spin a touch. That moment of effort, the shift from busy to eased, makes the mood revolve toward how people feel sick in real life, a state that can turn a day cloudy or a plate unappealing.
Real Context
Sick is an adjective used to describe being unwell: feeling ill, having a fever, or suffering from a stomach bug. It can also refer to someone who is affected by physical or mental illness, as in being sick from exhaustion or sadness. In everyday speech, sickness can describe something unpleasant in appearance or smell, though this usage is less common in formal writing. The phrase does not always imply a severe illness; you might say you feel a bit sick after a heavy meal or that you were sick with a fever. The word comes from Old English sēoc, connected to suffering in the Germanic roots.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: sick describes illness or unwellness, not physical strength. Use ill or unwell in formal writing. Do not use sick to describe people who are dead. It can describe appearance or smell in casual contexts. Avoid using sick as slang in formal contexts. Distinguish from well/sound; context matters.
Common Misconceptions
- Sick always means a serious disease.
- Sick and ill are exactly the same in all contexts.
- Sick cannot describe appearance or smell.
- You should always feel sick before you can be sick.
- Sick is appropriate in all informal contexts, including slang.
Thinking Differences
English uses sick for both illness and some negative appearances; many languages split illness into separate words and may not attach disgust to appearance with the same adjective. Learners often confuse sick with well/healthy or overgeneralize slang meanings in casual speech.
Learning Tips
- Learn <ill> and <unwell> for formal writing
- Use <sick> for mild to moderate illness
- Differentiate <sick> vs <well> by context
- Practice with appearance-related use (sick-looking)
- Avoid slang in academic writing
- Recognize regional notes on intensity
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'sick' mean?
A.To be generous
B.To be enthusiastic
C.To feel ill or unwell
D.To be angry
Step 2: Usage
Identify the sentence that correctly uses the word 'sick'.
A.The sick dog ran away from home.
B.I feel sick after eating too much candy.
C.She felt sick because the weather was rainy.
D.The athlete is sick at running for his team.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'sick'?
A.Ill
B.Healthy
C.Excited
D.Strong
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'sick'?
A.Healthy
B.Weak
C.Tired
D.Anxious
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone might feel 'sick'?
A.The athlete trained hard every day to improve his skills.
B.After eating spoiled food, John felt lightheaded and could not get out of bed.
C.She was excited to attend the concert with her friends.
D.The weather was perfect for a picnic in the park.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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