What Does “Under the Weather” Mean and How to Use It in IELTS?

Understanding idiomatic expressions is crucial for getting a high score in the IELTS exam, as they can help you sound more natural and fluent. One such expression is “Under The Weather.” In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and context of “under the weather,” as well as related vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

What Does “Under the Weather” Mean and How to Pronounce It?

“Under the weather” is an idiom that means feeling ill or sick. It is commonly used in conversational English. Here are some key details:

• Pronunciation: /ˌʌn.dər ðə ˈweð.ər/
• Type: Idiom
• Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell

Examples of “Under the Weather”

1. I couldn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.

   • Context: Explaining an absence from work due to illness.

2. She’s been under the weather since last week, so she decided to see a doctor.

   • Context: Describing a prolonged feeling of being unwell.

3. If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s probably best to take a rest.

   • Context: Advising someone to rest due to illness.

4. He missed the event because he was under the weather.

   • Context: Providing a reason for missing an event.

5. I’ve caught a cold and feel really under the weather.

   • Context: Explaining symptoms of a cold.

Synonyms and Related Words

• Ill (ɪl): Unwell, sick.
  • Example: She called in ill from work today.
• Sick (sɪk): Feeling unwell.
  • Example: He felt sick after eating too much.
• Unwell (ʌnˈwɛl): Not in good health.
  • Example: I’ve been feeling unwell lately.
• Ailing (ˈeɪlɪŋ): Suffering from illness.
  • Example: His ailing health has been a concern.
• Indisposed (ˌɪndɪˈspoʊzd): Slightly ill.
  • Example: She was indisposed and couldn’t attend the meeting.
• Poorly (ˈpʊərli): Feeling ill, used mainly in British English.
  • Example: I’ve been feeling rather poorly today.

How Common Is “Under the Weather” in IELTS?

“Under the weather” is not only common in everyday conversations but can also appear in IELTS listening and speaking sections. Understanding and using idioms can improve your band score, particularly in the Speaking section where idiomatic language demonstrates fluency and natural speech.

Using “Under the Weather” in IELTS Speaking

When using “under the weather” in the IELTS exam, it’s important to ensure that the context is clear and appropriate. Here is an example question and answer you might encounter in the Speaking section and how you could incorporate the idiom:

Question: Describe a time when you couldn’t attend an event because you were ill.

Answer: “Last year, I missed my best friend’s wedding because I was feeling under the weather. I had a high fever and a terrible headache, so my doctor advised me to stay at home and rest. Missing such an important event was disappointing, but my health had to come first.”

Collocations with “Under the Weather”

Using collocations correctly shows a higher level of language accuracy. Here are some common collocations with “under the weather”:

1. Feeling / Being under the weather: Describing the state of being ill.
   • Example: John called in saying he was feeling under the weather.
2. Look / Seem under the weather: Observing that someone appears ill.
   • Example: You look under the weather; are you okay?
3. A bit / Slightly under the weather: Minimizing the extent of illness.
   • Example: I feel a bit under the weather, but I think I’ll be fine by tomorrow.

Related Idioms and Expressions

Here are some idiomatic expressions related to or similar in meaning to “under the weather”:

1. Feeling blue: Feeling sad or depressed.
   • Example: He’s been feeling blue ever since he lost his job.
2. Off color: Looking or feeling slightly ill.
   • Example: You seem off color today; maybe you should take it easy.
3. In the doldrums: Feeling depressed or inactive.
   • Example: After the project failure, the whole team was in the doldrums.
4. Run down: Feeling tired or fatigued.
   • Example: I’ve been really run down lately from all the stress at work.
5. Under the influence: Affected by drugs or alcohol, colloquially similar to feeling unwell.
   • Example: He was under the influence and couldn’t drive.

feeling-under-the-weather

Conclusion

Mastering idiomatic expressions like “under the weather” can greatly enhance your IELTS performance by making your English sound more natural and fluent. Whether you encounter this idiom in the listening section or use it in your speaking responses, understanding and applying it correctly will give you an edge. Remember to practice using this and other idioms in various contexts to become more comfortable with them.

By exploring idioms and their usage, you’re adding depth to your vocabulary, a crucial component for attaining a high IELTS band score. Keep practicing and integrating such expressions into your everyday language use.

For more idiomatic expressions similar to “under the weather,” check out these articles on take a rain check and caught between a rock and a hard place.