What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hypochondriac
Example
My aunt is such a hypochondriac that she thinks every headache is a brain tumor. [hypochondriac: noun]
Example
He's always convinced he has some rare disease, but it's just his hypochondriac tendencies acting up again. [hypochondriac tendencies: noun]
neurotic
Example
She's so neurotic that she can't even leave the house without checking the locks multiple times. [neurotic: adjective]
Example
His neurosis makes it hard for him to relax and enjoy life. [neurosis: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neurotic is more commonly used than hypochondriac in everyday language. Neurotic is a versatile term that can be used to describe a wide range of anxiety-related behaviors, while hypochondriac is less common and more specific to health anxiety.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hypochondriac and neurotic?
Both hypochondriac and neurotic are relatively formal terms that are more likely to be used in professional or clinical settings than in casual conversation.
