Running a Fever – Meaning, Usage & Examples

Marcus Froland

It’s a chilly morning and you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket, feeling the warmth it provides. Suddenly, your friend texts, “I’m running a fever and can’t meet today.” You pause, wondering not about their health, but about the phrase itself. It’s a common expression, yet its meaning might not be as straightforward as you think.

This phrase, like many in English, carries more than just a literal interpretation. It’s part of the colorful tapestry of the language that makes it vibrant and full of life. Today, we’re going to unpack “running a fever” to understand its usage and see it in action through various examples.

The phrase “running a fever” means that someone’s body temperature is higher than normal, typically due to an illness or infection. It’s not just about feeling hot; it’s a sign that your body is fighting off something.

For example, if a child feels warm and shows signs of being unwell, a parent might say, “I think she’s running a fever; we should check her temperature.” This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in healthcare contexts, to indicate the need for medical attention or monitoring.

What Does “Running a Fever” Mean?

To define running a fever, we look to well-known sources for clear explanation. This phrase means your body temperature is higher than normal. It usually means you could be sick.

Definition from Cambridge Dictionary

The Cambridge Dictionary explains, to “be running a fever” means your body is warmer because of illness. This view matches the general understanding of what a fever is. It indicates your body is fighting an infection or health issue.

Definition from Longman Dictionary

The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English has a view that’s much the same. “Run a temperature/fever” is described as being in a feverish state. Your temperature is above what’s normal. This indicates that when you’re running a fever, it might mean something’s wrong health-wise.

Common Usages of “Running a Fever”

The phrase “running a fever” is widely used. You’ll find it in casual talks and in medical settings. It means someone is sick, no matter the setting.

Everyday Conversations

People often say “I think he’s running a temperature, and he’s off his food.” Or, “The baby was fussing and running a fever, so I called the doctor.” These phrases show concern for health. They signal to look closer at how a loved one feels.

Medical Context

In medical terms, “running a fever” means a high body temperature. Doctors use it to note fever in their records. It helps them show a patient has symptoms like an infection.

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Symptoms Associated with Running a Fever

When looking for recognizing fever symptoms, it’s crucial to know the different fever signs. Both physical and behavioral changes can show someone has a fever. Spotting these early helps treat the cause faster.

Physical Symptoms

One key fever effect on body is a high body temperature, over 98.6°F (37°C). You may also have chills, sweat, or feel very warm. These are ways your body fights infection.

Behavioral Symptoms

Fever can change how people act too. They may be irritable, very tired, or not hungry. They might just feel overall unwell. This impacts their daily life.

Examples of “Running a Fever” in Sentences

The phrase “running a fever” fits well in everyday talks or medical chats. Here are some examples to show how it is used:

  • “By Sunday morning, she was running a fever.”
  • “Lips all cracked, glassy eyes, running a temperature—no wonder she was feeling so unwell.”
  • “As soon as I noticed the child was running a fever, I called the pediatrician.”
  • “He’s been running a temperature since last night, and it’s showing no signs of going down.”
  • “Despite her symptoms, she insisted on going to work even though she was clearly running a fever.”

These examples show how “running a fever” can be used in different ways. It’s handy for talking about health, whether casually or formally. These examples are clear and easy to understand.

Idiomatic Usage and Translation

The phrase “running a fever” is a common way to say someone has a high temperature from being sick. It’s well-known in everyday language. But, to fully get it, we should look at how it’s used and translated around the world.

Idiomatic Usage

“Running a fever” is used a lot in English, in everyday talk and by doctors. It tells us someone might have symptoms of a fever. This could mean they need medical help. For example, saying “She missed school because she was running a fever” shows how it’s used in everyday situations. It makes it easier to talk about being sick and what to do next.

Translation

The idea of “running a fever” is found in many languages, each with its own way of saying it. In Chinese, both Traditional and Simplified, it’s said as “發燒,” which means “running a fever” in English. Many languages have their own phrases, but the basic idea stays the same. These ways of talking about fever help people from different places understand each other’s health issues.

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