aphasia

American  

[uh-fey-zhuh] / əˈfeɪ ʒə /

noun

Pathology.

1. an impairment of a previously held ability to produce or understand spoken, written, or signed language, due to disease or injury of the brain.

---

aphasia British  

/ əˈfeɪzɪə /

noun

1. a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by partial or total loss of the ability to communicate, esp in speech or writing Compare alexia

---

aphasia Scientific  

/ ə-fā′zhə /

1. Partial or total loss of the ability to articulate ideas or comprehend spoken or written language, resulting from damage to the brain that is caused by injury or disease.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• aphasiac
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of aphasia

First recorded in 1865–70; from Greek: literally “speechlessness,” equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + phat(ós) “spoken” (derivative of phánai “to speak”) + -ia -ia

Compare meaning

How does aphasia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• aphagia vs. aphasia

Explanation

Aphasia is the inability to express or comprehend written or spoken words. If you can understand this sentence, you don't have it. Aphasia is a medical condition caused by serious brain damage. However, you can also use it to dramatically exaggerate. If you don’t understand the scientific language in a biology textbook, you might feel like you’re suffering from aphasia.

Example Sentences

Aphasia has a wide-ranging effect on the functional capacity and quality of life of affected individuals and easily leads to social isolation.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

Aphasia is a nervous system syndrome that affects the ability to communicate, with patients often struggling to express thoughts and even losing their ability to speak or write.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2024

The National Aphasia Assn. said the disease, which is “due to injury to the brain,” impairs the ability to process language but does not affect intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2024

Aphasia, a brain disorder that can lead to problems speaking or understanding words, can be a symptom of it.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

Now Aphasia is the opposite of ϕάσις in its general signification, which, as we said, comprises both affirmation and negation.

From Sextus Empiricus and Greek Scepticism by Patrick, Mary Mills