immunity
C1Formal / Academic / Medical / Legal
Definition
Meaning
Protection or exemption from something, especially a disease or legal obligation.
A state of resistance or protection from negative consequences, harm, or prosecution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in medical and legal contexts, but extends metaphorically to describe protection from criticism, attack, or negative influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Legal usage of 'sovereign immunity' is more prevalent in US discourse.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, especially post-pandemic.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
immunity FROM somethingimmunity TO somethinghave immunitygrant/give immunityenjoy immunityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(enjoy/claim) immunity from prosecution”
- “have the immunity of a rhinoceros (to criticism)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company sought immunity from the new regulations due to its special status.
Academic
The study examined the herd immunity threshold required to suppress the virus.
Everyday
After having chickenpox as a child, she now has lifetime immunity.
Technical
The vaccine aims to confer sterilizing immunity by preventing both disease and transmission.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The vaccine immunises the population.
- He was immunised as an infant.
American English
- The vaccine immunizes the population.
- He was immunized as an infant.
adverb
British English
- This property is immunologically inert.
- The treaty was immunologically significant.
American English
- This property is immunologically inert.
- The treaty was immunologically significant.
adjective
British English
- She is immune to that strain of flu.
- The diplomat has immune status.
American English
- She is immune to that strain of the flu.
- The diplomat has immune status.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Good food helps your immunity.
- Babies get immunity from their mother's milk.
- The vaccine gave him immunity to the disease.
- Diplomats often have legal immunity.
- Widespread vaccination is crucial for achieving herd immunity.
- The witness was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IMMUNITY sounds like 'I'm unity' - think of a unified, strong shield protecting you.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMUNITY IS A SHIELD/WALL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'immunitet' in a purely diplomatic context; English 'immunity' is broader.
- Avoid direct translation of 'imunitet' for 'energy' or 'vitality'; it's strictly about protection.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'immunity' for a temporary defense (use 'protection').
- Confusing 'immunity' (state) with 'immunization' (process).
- Incorrect preposition: 'immunity against' (less common, prefer 'to' or 'from').
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, 'immunity' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Immunity' implies a complete or specific protection (often biological or legal), while 'resistance' suggests a reduced effect or the ability to withstand.
Yes, it's commonly used in law (diplomatic/sovereign immunity) and metaphorically (immunity to criticism).
It is a standard scientific term used equally in both British and American English.
It depends: 'immunity TO' a disease, 'immunity FROM' prosecution or obligation.
Collections
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Health and Wellness
B1 · 49 words · Physical and mental health vocabulary.
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