What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anaesthetics
Example
The patient was given anaesthetics before the surgery. [anaesthetics: noun]
Example
The anaesthetics team was responsible for ensuring the patient's safety during the procedure. [anaesthetics: adjective]
anesthetic
Example
The dentist applied an anesthetic to numb the patient's gums. [anesthetic: noun]
Example
The patient was in an anesthetic state during the surgery. [anesthetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anesthetic is more common than anaesthetics in American English, while anaesthetics is more common than anesthetic in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anaesthetics and anesthetic?
Both anaesthetics and anesthetic are formal words that are typically used in medical contexts.
