What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anaesthetic
Example
The dentist gave me an anaesthetic before filling my cavity. [anaesthetic: noun]
Example
The patient was put under anaesthetic before the surgery began. [anaesthetic: adjective]
anesthetic
Example
The doctor prescribed an anesthetic cream to numb the area before the injection. [anesthetic: adjective]
Example
The anesthetic wore off quickly, and the patient started to feel pain again. [anesthetic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anesthetic is more commonly used in American English, while anaesthetic is more commonly used in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anaesthetic and anesthetic?
Both words are formal and technical terms used in medical contexts.
