Transmissible vs. Transmittable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 29, 2024
Transmissible and transmittable both describe the ability of something to be passed from one entity to another, but "transmissible" is more commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.
Difference Between Transmissible and Transmittable
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Key Differences
Transmissible is often used specifically in medical and scientific discourse to describe diseases or conditions that can be passed from one organism to another. On the other hand, transmittable can refer to any kind of transfer, including diseases, information, or physical objects.
The term transmissible implies a degree of risk and often involves biological or medical contexts, suggesting the spread of pathogens, genes, or traits. Whereas transmittable is a broader term that can also apply to non-biological transmission, such as data or signals.
Both terms suggest the capability of something being spread or transferred, but transmissible often carries a more serious connotation, particularly in the context of infectious diseases. In contrast, transmittable might be used in lighter, less critical contexts.
While transmissible is typically used to describe something that requires close contact or a vector to spread, such as a virus or bacteria, transmittable can describe the movement of abstract entities, such as ideas or digital content, which do not require physical contact.
Despite their specific nuances, in many contexts, transmissible and transmittable are interchangeable, especially when referring to the general concept of transferability. However, the choice of term can subtly affect the perceived seriousness or type of transmission being discussed.
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Medical and biological contexts
Broader, including non-biological uses
Implication
Often implies a risk or danger
Generally neutral
Contexts
Diseases, pathogens, genetic traits
Information, ideas, diseases, signals
Connotation
More serious and specific
More general and versatile
Examples of Transmission
Through bodily fluids, airborne particles
Through electronic media, conversation
Compare with Definitions
Transmissible
Capable of being passed from one to another, especially diseases.
Tuberculosis is a highly transmissible disease.
Transmittable
Communicable, as in diseases or information.
Some colds are highly transmittable.
Transmissible
Spreadable through direct or indirect contact.
The virus's transmissible nature necessitated quarantine measures.
Transmittable
Transferable from one person to another.
Knowledge is easily transmittable through education.
Transmissible
Transferable from one organism to another.
The transmissible agent was identified as a new type of bacteria.
Transmittable
Capable of being conveyed or transmitted.
The document was transmittable over secure networks.
Transmissible
Able to be transmitted genetically.
Certain traits are highly transmissible through generations.
Transmittable
Able to be spread or dispersed.
The rumor was quickly transmittable across social media.
Transmissible
Potentially infectious or contagious.
The health department warned of a new transmissible strain of the flu.
Transmittable
Capable of transmission, as in signals.
The data was transmittable via satellite.
Transmissible
Capable of being transmitted
Transmissible signals.
Transmittable
To send from one person, thing, or place to another; convey.
Transmissible
Able to be transmitted.
Transmittable
Synonym of transmissible
Transmissible
Capable of being transmitted from one person to another.
Transmittable
(of disease) capable of being transmitted by infection
Transmissible
Capable of being transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver.
Transmissible
Capable of being transmitted from one to another; capable of being passed through any body or substance.
Transmissible
(of disease) capable of being transmitted by infection
Transmissible
Tending to occur among members of a family usually by heredity;
An inherited disease
Familial traits
Genetically transmitted features
Transmissible
Inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent;
Ancestral home
Ancestral lore
Hereditary monarchy
Patrimonial estate
Transmissible tradition
Common Curiosities
Can all transmissible diseases be considered transmittable?
Yes, all transmissible diseases are transmittable, but the term transmittable can also apply to non-biological entities.
Is one term more serious than the other?
Yes, transmissible often carries a more serious tone, especially in the context of infectious diseases.
Can ideas be described as transmissible?
While it's not common, ideas can technically be described as transmissible, especially if they spread like a contagion, but transmittable is more appropriate.
How do professionals determine if something is transmittable?
Professionals evaluate the modes of transmission, such as airborne, contact, or vector-borne, to determine if something is transmittable.
What are common preventive measures for transmissible diseases?
Common measures include vaccination, sanitation, wearing masks, and quarantine to limit the spread of transmissible diseases.
Are both terms interchangeable in medical literature?
In medical literature, transmissible is preferred for clarity and specificity regarding diseases, though both can technically be used.
What makes a disease transmissible?
A disease is considered transmissible if it can be spread directly or indirectly from one individual to another.
Can digital data be transmissible?
Digital data is more accurately described as transmittable, especially when referring to its capacity to be sent or received over networks.
How can the spread of transmittable information be controlled?
Controlling the spread of transmittable information can involve encryption, privacy settings, and educating about responsible sharing practices.
What is the primary difference between transmissible and transmittable?
Transmissible is more commonly used in medical contexts to describe the spread of diseases, whereas transmittable has a broader usage, including the transmission of data and ideas.
Can a non-infectious disease be transmissible?
Non-infectious diseases like genetic disorders are transmissible in the sense that they can be inherited.
What technologies help in tracking transmittable diseases?
Technologies like genome sequencing and contact tracing apps are crucial in tracking the spread of transmittable diseases.
What role do vectors play in transmission?
Vectors like mosquitoes or ticks play a crucial role in the transmission of certain diseases by carrying pathogens from one host to another.
How is the concept of transmission viewed in different cultures?
Cultural perceptions vary, with some viewing transmission as a natural part of life and others emphasizing prevention and containment.
Do transmissible conditions always involve pathogens?
Most commonly, yes, but transmissible can also refer to genetic conditions passed through familial lines.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
