What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blister
Example
She got a blister on her heel from wearing new shoes. [blister: noun]
Example
The burn blistered and formed small bubbles on his hand. [blistered: past tense verb]
swelling
Example
Her ankle had significant swelling after she twisted it. [swelling: noun]
Example
His face swelled up after he was stung by a bee. [swelled: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swelling is more commonly used than blister in everyday language. Swelling is a broader term that can be applied to various body parts and conditions, while blister is more specific and often associated with skin-related issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blister and swelling?
Both blister and swelling can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, swelling is more versatile and commonly used in medical and everyday conversations, making it slightly more formal than blister.