What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ecchymosis
Example
The ecchymosis on her arm was a result of the injury. [ecchymosis: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed the patient with ecchymosis after examining the bruises. [ecchymosis: medical condition]
contusion
Example
He suffered a contusion on his leg after being hit by a baseball. [contusion: noun]
Example
The doctor treated the patient's contusion with ice and rest. [contusion: medical condition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contusion is more commonly used in everyday language than ecchymosis. Ecchymosis is primarily used in medical contexts and may not be familiar to most people outside of the medical field.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ecchymosis and contusion?
Ecchymosis is a more formal term than contusion and is typically used in medical or scientific contexts. Contusion is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
