What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bloating
Example
I always feel bloated after eating a big Thanksgiving dinner. [bloating: verb]
Example
She complained of bloating and discomfort after eating too much junk food. [bloating: noun]
distension
Example
The doctor diagnosed her with abdominal distension caused by a blockage in her intestines. [distension: noun]
Example
His distended belly was a sign of severe malnutrition. [distended: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bloating is more commonly used in everyday language, especially when referring to digestive discomfort after eating. Distension is a term more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts to describe abnormal swelling or enlargement of body parts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bloating and distension?
While bloating is commonly used in informal conversations, distension is more formal and typically used in medical or scientific discussions.
