What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bruising
Example
She had extensive bruising on her arm after falling off her bike. [bruising: noun]
Example
The boxer's face was bruised and swollen after the intense fight. [bruised: adjective]
contusion
Example
The soccer player suffered a contusion on his thigh after colliding with another player. [contusion: noun]
Example
The doctor examined the patient's contused leg to assess the extent of the injury. [contused: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bruising is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it is a general term that people are familiar with. On the other hand, contusion is less commonly used outside of medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bruising and contusion?
While bruising is associated with a casual and informal tone, contusion is more formal and commonly used in medical or scientific discussions.
