What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulimic
Example
She struggled with bulimia for many years before seeking help. [bulimia: noun]
Example
He was bulimic and would often purge after eating large amounts of food. [bulimic: adjective]
anorexic
Example
She was diagnosed with anorexia and had to be hospitalized due to her low weight. [anorexia: noun]
Example
He became anorexic after developing an obsession with being thin. [anorexic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
The term bulimic is more commonly used than anorexic in everyday language. Bulimia is a more widely known eating disorder, and the term bulimic is often used to describe someone who engages in binge-eating and purging behaviors. On the other hand, anorexic is a more specific term used to describe individuals with anorexia, which is a more severe and potentially life-threatening eating disorder.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulimic and anorexic?
Both bulimic and anorexic are formal terms used in medical and psychological contexts. However, in everyday language, the term bulimic may be used more casually to describe someone who engages in binge-eating and purging behaviors, while anorexic is generally reserved for more serious discussions about individuals with anorexia.
