What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inflamed
Example
The cut on my finger is inflamed and hurts a lot. [inflamed: adjective]
Example
The political speech inflamed the crowd and caused a riot. [inflamed: verb]
irritated
Example
I'm so irritated that my phone battery died in the middle of the call. [irritated: adjective]
Example
The mosquito bite is making my skin irritated and itchy. [irritated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritated is more commonly used than inflamed in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Inflamed is more commonly used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inflamed and irritated?
Inflamed is more formal than irritated, as it is more commonly used in medical or technical contexts. Irritated is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.