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 match. [bruised: adjective]
ecchymosis
Example
The patient had extensive ecchymosis on their leg after the car accident. [ecchymosis: noun]
Example
The doctor examined the ecchymotic area to determine the severity of the injury. [ecchymotic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bruising is more commonly used than ecchymosis in everyday language. Bruising is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including both medical and non-medical situations. On the other hand, ecchymosis is a more specialized term primarily used in medical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bruising and ecchymosis?
While bruising is associated with a casual and informal tone, ecchymosis is more formal and technical, making it suitable for medical and scientific discussions.
