What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anesthetic
Example
The dentist applied an anesthetic to numb my gums before the procedure. [anesthetic: noun]
Example
The patient was given an anesthetic to put them to sleep before the surgery. [anesthetic: adjective]
analgesic
Example
I took an analgesic for my headache and it went away. [analgesic: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed an analgesic to manage the patient's chronic pain. [analgesic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Analgesic is more commonly used than anesthetic in everyday language. Analgesic is a more general term that covers a wider range of pain management, while anesthetic is a more specific term that is primarily used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anesthetic and analgesic?
Anesthetic is a more formal term than analgesic, as it is primarily used in medical contexts and requires specialized knowledge to understand its usage and potential risks.
