What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excise
Example
The surgeon will excise the tumor from the patient's lung. [excise: verb]
Example
The editor decided to excise the controversial paragraph from the article. [excise: verb]
resection
Example
The patient underwent a resection of the colon to treat the cancer. [resection: noun]
Example
The orthopedic surgeon performed a resection of the damaged cartilage in the knee. [resection: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excise is more commonly used in everyday language than resection, especially in the context of taxes or fees. However, in medical contexts, resection is more commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between excise and resection?
Both excise and resection are formal words used in medical and legal contexts. However, excise can also be used in informal contexts when referring to the removal of something unwanted or harmful, such as a tax or a tumor.
