What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
febrile
Example
The patient was diagnosed with febrile seizures. [febrile: adjective]
Example
The political climate was febrile, with tensions running high. [febrile: adjective]
Example
The unsanitary living conditions made the camp febrile and prone to disease outbreaks. [febrile: adjective]
feverish
Example
The child was feeling feverish and had a headache. [feverish: adjective]
Example
The team worked feverishly to meet the deadline. [feverishly: adverb]
Example
The stock market was feverish with activity, as investors scrambled to buy and sell. [feverish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Feverish is more commonly used than febrile in everyday language, due to its versatility and emotional connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between febrile and feverish?
Febrile is more formal and technical than feverish, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.