What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bellyache
Example
After eating too much cake, I had a bellyache for the rest of the evening. [bellyache: noun]
Example
Stop bellyaching about the weather and enjoy the picnic! [bellyaching: present participle]
colic
Example
The baby cried all night due to colic. [colic: noun]
Example
She suffers from colic and has to be careful with her diet. [colic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bellyache is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. It is a word that most people are familiar with and can easily understand. On the other hand, colic is a more specialized term that is primarily used in medical or parenting contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bellyache and colic?
In terms of formality, bellyache is considered more informal and casual, while colic is a more technical and formal term. Bellyache can be used in everyday conversations, while colic is more commonly used in medical or professional settings.
