syndrome
Meaning: A group of symptoms that consistently occur together and characterise a particular disease or abnormal condition.
A syndrome differs from a disease in that it describes a collection of symptoms without necessarily identifying a single underlying cause. Well-known syndromes include Down's syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. The word is also used figuratively to describe a characteristic combination of behaviours or attitudes, such as 'impostor syndrome' or 'tall poppy syndrome.'
Examples
- Chronic fatigue syndrome affects thousands of people in the United Kingdom. 慢性疲劳综合征影响着英国成千上万的人。El síndrome de fatiga crónica afecta a miles de personas en el Reino Unido.慢性疲労症候群は英国で何千人もの人々に影響を与えている。만성피로증후군은 영국에서 수천 명의 사람들에게 영향을 미치고 있다.
- The doctor identified the combination of symptoms as consistent with metabolic syndrome. 医生判断这组症状符合代谢综合征的特征。El médico identificó la combinación de síntomas como compatible con el síndrome metabólico.医師はその症状の組み合わせが、メタボリックシンドロームと一致するものと判断した。의사는 그 증상의 조합이 대사증후군과 일치한다고 판단했다.
- Impostor syndrome is surprisingly common among high-achieving professionals. 冒名顶替综合征在高成就专业人士中出人意料地常见。El síndrome del impostor es sorprendentemente frecuente entre los profesionales de alto rendimiento.インポスター症候群は、高い実績を持つ専門家の間で驚くほど多く見られる。가면증후군(임포스터 증후군)은 높은 성과를 내는 전문가들 사이에서 놀라울 정도로 흔하게 나타난다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek syndrome (a running together, concurrence of symptoms), from syndromos (running together), combining syn- (together) and dromos (a running). Used in English since the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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