What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
delirium
Example
The patient was experiencing delirium as a side effect of the medication. [delirium: noun]
Example
He was delirious with fever and kept talking nonsense. [delirious: adjective]
agitation
Example
She was in a state of agitation after receiving the bad news. [agitation: noun]
Example
The dog's agitation was evident as he barked and paced around the room. [agitation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Agitation is more commonly used than delirium in everyday language. Agitation is a term that is often used to describe a temporary state of restlessness or nervousness, while delirium is a medical term that is less commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between delirium and agitation?
Delirium is a more formal term that is often used in medical contexts, while agitation is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
