What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anaesthesia
Example
The patient was put under anaesthesia before the surgery. [anaesthesia: noun]
Example
The dentist used anaesthesia to numb my mouth before filling the cavity. [anaesthesia: noun]
anesthesia
Example
The patient was put under anesthesia before the surgery. [anesthesia: noun]
Example
The dentist used anesthesia to numb my mouth before filling the cavity. [anesthesia: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anesthesia is more commonly used than anaesthesia in American English, while anaesthesia is more commonly used in British English. However, both words are widely used in the field of medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anaesthesia and anesthesia?
Anaesthesia is considered more formal than anesthesia. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use anaesthesia in formal contexts such as academic writing or medical journals.
