What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
opium
Example
The use of opium has been illegal in many countries due to its harmful effects. [opium: noun]
Example
The patient was given opium to manage their pain after surgery. [opium: noun]
morphine
Example
The doctor prescribed morphine to alleviate the patient's severe pain. [morphine: noun]
Example
The nurse administered morphine to the patient to help them sleep. [morphine: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Morphine is more commonly used than opium in medical settings and is a widely recognized medication. Opium is less common and is illegal in many countries, making it less accessible to the general public.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between opium and morphine?
Both opium and morphine are formal terms used in medical and legal contexts. However, due to its illegal status, opium may be associated with a more informal or illicit tone.