What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
antidote
Example
The doctor administered an antidote to counteract the effects of the snake venom. [antidote: noun]
Example
Laughter is often seen as an antidote to stress and anxiety. [antidote: metaphorical]
antitoxin
Example
The patient was given an antitoxin to combat the effects of the bacterial infection. [antitoxin: noun]
Example
The immune system produces antitoxins to fight against harmful substances in the body. [antitoxin: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antidote is more commonly used than antitoxin in everyday language. Antidote is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while antitoxin is more specific and commonly used in medical or scientific discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between antidote and antitoxin?
Both antidote and antitoxin are formal terms used in medical and scientific contexts. However, antidote may also be used in informal or metaphorical contexts, making it slightly more versatile in terms of formality.
