Question

Select the most appropriate word for the given description:
A disease which is spread by contact.

• A. Infectious
• B. Spreading
• C. Epidemic
• D. Contagious

Answer 1

The correct option is D Contagious

'Contagious' is an adjective which is used to describe a disease that spreads from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact. Hence, option D is correct.

'Infectious' is an adjective which is used to describe a disease that is liable to be transmitted to people, organisms, etc., through the environment. An infectious disease need not spread only by contact. It can spread through micro-organisms in the air or water as well. Hence, this is not the most appropriate word for the given description. Hence, option A is incorrect.

'Spreading' is a verb (present continuous tense) which means 'covering, reaching, or having an effect on a wider or increasing area'. 'Epidemic' refers to a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. Given these meanings, options B and C are incorrect.