Casting Light on The Word ‘Ill’
Adjective Meaning
Noun Meaning
“Ill” can also function as a noun, representing a state of illness or disease.
Adverb Usage
As an adverb, “ill” modifies verbs and indicates that an action or condition is performed in a bad, negative, or unsatisfactory manner.
The opposite of “Well”
“Ill” is often used as an antonym for “well,” indicating the absence of health or wellness.
Synonyms
synonyms for “ill”
- sick
- unwell
- diseased
- ailing
- unhealthy
- poorly
- badly
Informal Usage
In informal contexts, “ill” can be used to describe something that is unfortunate, unfavorable, or displeasing.
Prefix Usage
The prefix “ill-” is commonly added to other words to indicate negativity, difficulty, or inadequacy. Examples include “illiterate” (lacking literacy), “ill-advised” (poorly advised), or “ill-equipped” (inadequately equipped).
Etymology
The word “ill” originated from the Old English word “ille,” which means “evil” or “wicked.” Over time, its meaning evolved to denote a state of poor health or unsatisfactory conditions.
Common Collocations
“Ill” is often used in collocations to provide more context. Some common collocations include “fall ill,” “chronically ill,” “mentally ill,” “seriously ill,” and “take ill.”
Medical Usage
In medical contexts, “ill” is used to describe various specific illnesses or conditions. It can be combined with other terms to form specific diagnoses or descriptions.