Ague is a term that is not commonly used in modern English, but it has a rich history and a variety of meanings. It is a word that has been used for centuries to describe a range of illnesses and symptoms, and it has been associated with everything from malaria to fever to shivering. In this article, we will explore the various definitions and meanings of ague, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Ague is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of illnesses and symptoms over the years. Some of the most common definitions of ague include:
- A fever or feverish chills.
- A recurring fever or chills.
- A disease characterized by fever and shivering.
- A specific type of fever caused by malaria.
- A cold or flu-like illness.
Origin
The word ague comes from the Old French word “agu,” which means “sharpness” or “severity.” It was first used in English in the 14th century to describe a sudden attack of illness or pain. Over time, the word came to be associated specifically with fevers and chills, and it was often used to describe the symptoms of malaria.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ague can vary slightly depending on the dictionary you consult. Here are a few definitions from some of the most popular dictionaries:
- Merriam-Webster: a fever marked by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals.
- Oxford English Dictionary: a fever characterized by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating, especially one caused by malaria.
- Collins Dictionary: a fever with successive stages of chills, fever, and sweating, caused by malaria or other diseases.
- Dictionary.com: a fever accompanied by chills and sweating, especially malaria or another disease involving fever and shivering.
Associations
Ague is often associated with malaria, as it was a common symptom of the disease in the past. It is also associated with other diseases that cause fever and chills, such as influenza and pneumonia. In literature, ague is often used to describe a general feeling of malaise or illness, even if it is not specifically related to fever or chills.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ague include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Malaria.
- Influenza.
- Pneumonia.
- Illness.
- Malaise.
Antonyms
As ague is a term that describes illness and symptoms, there are no true antonyms for it. However, some words that might be considered opposites of ague include:
- Health.
- Wellness.
- Vitality.
- Strength.
- Energy.
The same root words
The word ague comes from the Old French word “agu,” which is related to the Latin word “acutus,” meaning “sharp” or “pointed.” Other English words that share this root include:
- Acute.
- Acumen.
- Acupuncture.
- Acrid.
- Acme.
Example Sentences
- She was struck down by a sudden ague, and spent the next few days shivering under the covers.
- The doctors suspected that his ague was caused by malaria, and prescribed him a course of medication.
- The old man complained of a general ague, and said that he felt as though he had been sick for years.
- The ague had left her weak and exhausted, and she struggled to get out of bed.
- Despite his ague, he managed to make it to work, where he spent the day shivering at his desk.