What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ictus
Example
The patient experienced an ictus and was rushed to the hospital. [ictus: noun]
Example
The news of her father's death came as a sudden ictus, leaving her in shock. [ictus: adjective]
Example
The conductor emphasized the ictus on the first beat of the measure. [ictus: noun]
stroke
Example
He suffered a stroke and was hospitalized for several weeks. [stroke: noun]
Example
She made a bold stroke and won the game. [stroke: noun]
Example
The artist used long, smooth strokes to create a beautiful painting. [strokes: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stroke is a more common word in everyday language and is used in a variety of contexts, including medical, sports, and art. Ictus is less common and is mainly used in medical or musical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ictus and stroke?
Both ictus and stroke can be used in formal or informal contexts, but ictus may be considered more formal due to its Latin origin and association with medical terminology.