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 neutralize the effects of the snake venom. [antidote: noun]
Example
Laughter is often considered an antidote to stress. [antidote: metaphorical]
cure
Example
The new drug has shown promising results in curing cancer. [curing: present participle]
Example
Finding a stable job was the cure for his financial troubles. [cure: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cure is more commonly used than antidote in everyday language. Cure is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, including medical and non-medical situations. On the other hand, antidote is more specific and commonly used in medical and toxicology contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between antidote and cure?
Both antidote and cure can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, antidote may be more commonly associated with technical or scientific discussions, while cure is more widely used in everyday language.