Figurative Meanings: English Vocabulary List

not in a fine mental or physical state

"My father is ill."

"The ill child stayed home from school with a high fever and spent the whole day resting in bed while watching cartoons."

the process of refining and extracting the essential elements from a complex body of information or ideas

"Distillation of ideas."

"Water distillation is a very useful process that removes impurities and produces clean drinking water for people."

a thoughtful and deliberate consideration, often calm and extended

"He needs time for reflexion."

"After much quiet reflexion, she finally decided on the best course of action for her career."

the influence or control over someone or something

"He has sway here."

"The charismatic leader's sway over his followers was evident in their unwavering loyalty and obedience to his commands."

developing or reaching success in a quick way

"Her rise to fame was meteoric."

"Her meteoric rise to fame surprised everyone in the music industry."

(of a disease or condition) capable of transmitting from one person, organism, or object to another through direct or indirect contact

"The disease is infectious."

"The flu is highly infectious and it spreads quickly through offices and schools when people cough without covering."