What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inured
Example
After years of working in the emergency room, she had become inured to the sight of blood. [inured: adjective]
Example
The soldiers were inured to the harsh conditions of war. [inured: verb]
desensitized
Example
Watching violent movies can desensitize people to real-life violence. [desensitized: verb]
Example
Years of working in the animal shelter had desensitized her to the sight of suffering animals. [desensitized: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Desensitized is more commonly used in everyday language than inured. Desensitized is often used in informal contexts, such as discussing media or entertainment, while inured is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as discussing medical or psychological conditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inured and desensitized?
Inured is more formal than desensitized. Inured is often used in academic or professional contexts, while desensitized is more commonly used in casual conversation or media discussions.
