What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lightheaded
Example
After standing up too quickly, I felt lightheaded for a few seconds. [lightheaded: adjective]
Example
The medication made me feel lightheaded and dizzy. [lightheaded: adjective]
faint
Example
She fainted when she saw the blood. [fainted: past tense verb]
Example
I feel faint after not eating all day. [faint: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lightheaded is more commonly used in everyday language than faint. Lightheaded is a more general term that covers a range of sensations, while faint is a more specific term that refers to a complete loss of consciousness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lightheaded and faint?
Both lightheaded and faint are considered informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, faint may be considered slightly more formal due to its medical connotations.