Food / B1

AL-uh-jee/ˈælədʒi/

An allergy is a medical reaction: a nut allergy; a pollen allergy; an allergy to cats; hay fever is a common seasonal one. Allergic is the adjective: allergic to peanuts. Intolerance (for example lactose intolerance) is related but usually milder and not the same as a sudden allergic reaction. Do not write “an allergic” as a noun — the person has an allergy; the food makes them allergic. In restaurants, ask about allergens on the menu.

Meaning

A medical condition in which food, dust, or an animal makes you ill.

Examples

• “He carries a card because of a serious allergy to peanuts.”
• “The school keeps a list of pupils with a severe nut allergy.”
• “She is allergic to penicillin, so the doctor chose a different medicine.”

Good to know

a nut / pollen allergy; allergy to + noun. Adjective: allergic to. Menu word: allergen. Not the same as intolerance.

Near in meaning

sensitivity

Topics

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