Susceptible Meaning and Definition
Susceptible
Pronunciation
/səˈsɛptɪbəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Possible to affect or influence; likely to be affected by a particular disease or condition; or prone to a particular feeling or behavior.
Examples
- Children are more susceptible to illnesses during the winter months.
- She is susceptible to stress and anxiety in her job.
Synonyms
- Prone
- Exposed
- Vulnerable
Antonyms
- Immune
- Resistant
- Impervious
Additional Information
The term ‘susceptible’ can be used in various contexts, including medicine, psychology, and social sciences. In medicine, it refers to the likelihood of a person contracting a disease or responding to a treatment. In psychology, it can describe a person’s vulnerability to emotional or mental conditions. In social sciences, it may refer to the likelihood of a person being influenced by external factors.
The word ‘susceptible’ is often used to highlight the importance of taking preventative measures to protect against potential threats. For example, a person who is susceptible to a particular disease may be advised to take vaccinations or follow a specific lifestyle to reduce their risk.
It is also worth noting that the term ‘susceptible’ can be used to describe both positive and negative tendencies. For instance, a person may be susceptible to kindness and generosity, or they may be susceptible to manipulation and deception.
Etimology
The word ‘susceptible’ comes from the Latin ‘suscipere,’ which means ‘to take up’ or ‘to receive.’ The Latin term is derived from ‘sub-‘ (under) and ‘capere’ (to take). The word has been used in English since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
When using the word ‘susceptible,’ it is essential to consider the context and the intended meaning. The word can be used in various ways, including as an adjective or a noun. For example, ‘He is susceptible to colds’ (adjective) or ‘The company is susceptible to financial risks’ (noun).
Cultural References
The term ‘susceptible’ has been used in various cultural references, including literature and music. For example, in Jane Austen’s novel ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ the character Elizabeth Bennet is described as ‘susceptible to flattery.’
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are several idiomatic expressions that include the word ‘susceptible.’ For example, ‘susceptible to temptation’ or ‘susceptible to persuasion.’
Related Words or Phrases
Some words and phrases related to ‘susceptible’ include ‘prone,’ ‘exposed,’ ‘vulnerable,’ and ‘likely to.’
Collocations
The word ‘susceptible’ can be used in various collocations, including ‘susceptible to,’ ‘susceptible of,’ and ‘susceptible in.’
Frequency of Use
The word ‘susceptible’ is commonly used in various contexts, including medicine, psychology, and social sciences. It is also used in everyday language to describe people’s tendencies or vulnerabilities.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word ‘susceptible’ include ‘susceptable,’ ‘suseptible,’ and ‘susceptibl.’