What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cephalosporin
Example
The doctor prescribed a cephalosporin to treat the patient's infection. [cephalosporin: noun]
Example
Cephalosporins are commonly used in hospitals to prevent and treat infections. [cephalosporins: plural noun]
antibiotic
Example
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to help fight the bacterial infection. [antibiotic: noun]
Example
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat various types of infections. [antibiotics: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antibiotic is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it is a broader category that encompasses various types of drugs used to treat bacterial infections. Cephalosporin is a more specialized term used in medical and healthcare contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cephalosporin and antibiotic?
Both cephalosporin and antibiotic can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, cephalosporin may be more commonly used in formal medical discussions due to its specific classification.
