What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infirmarian
Example
The infirmarian at the college took care of the students who were feeling unwell. [infirmarian: noun]
Example
The infirmarian at the monastery was responsible for the health and well-being of the residents. [infirmarian: noun]
nurse
Example
The nurse checked the patient's vital signs before administering the medication. [nurse: noun]
Example
My grandmother needs a nurse to help her with her daily activities. [nurse: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nurse is a more commonly used term than infirmarian in everyday language. Nurse is a versatile term that covers a wide range of healthcare settings and roles, while infirmarian is a less common term that is specific to certain non-hospital settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infirmarian and nurse?
Nurse is a more formal term than infirmarian. Nurse is widely recognized as a professional title and is used in both formal and informal contexts, while infirmarian is a more specialized term that is typically used in formal or academic settings.