What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allergic
Example
I'm allergic to peanuts, so I can't eat them. [allergic: adjective]
Example
She had an allergic reaction to the medication and broke out in hives. [allergic: adjective]
intolerant
Example
He's lactose intolerant, so he can't drink milk. [intolerant: adjective]
Example
She has a gluten intolerance and can't eat wheat products. [intolerance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intolerant is more commonly used than allergic in everyday language. Intolerant is a broader term that covers a range of sensitivities and intolerances, while allergic is more specific to immune system reactions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allergic and intolerant?
Both allergic and intolerant can be used in formal and informal contexts, but allergic may be more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts due to its specificity to immune system reactions.
