What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cure
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to cure the infection. [cure: verb]
Example
There is no known cure for the common cold. [cure: noun]
treat
Example
The nurse will treat your wound with antiseptic. [treat: verb]
Example
I bought some herbal tea to treat my sore throat. [treat: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Treat is more commonly used than cure in everyday language. Treat is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cure is less common and reserved for more serious or chronic conditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cure and treat?
While cure is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, treat is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.