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 after surgery. [delirium: noun]
Example
The medication caused him to have delirious thoughts and behavior. [delirious: adjective]
hallucination
Example
She experienced auditory hallucinations after taking the medication. [hallucinations: noun]
Example
The patient's hallucinatory experiences were a result of their schizophrenia. [hallucinatory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hallucination is more commonly used than delirium in everyday language. Hallucination is a well-known term that is often used in popular culture and media, while delirium is less common and typically used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between delirium and hallucination?
Both delirium and hallucination are formal terms that are typically used in medical or clinical settings. They may not be commonly used in informal or casual conversations.