What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
palpitation
Example
She experienced palpitations after drinking too much coffee. [palpitations: noun]
Example
He felt his heart palpitate with fear as he approached the stage. [palpitate: verb]
pulsation
Example
The doctor checked the patient's pulse to monitor their heart rate. [pulse: noun]
Example
The music had a strong pulsating beat that made everyone dance. [pulsating: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pulsation is more commonly used than palpitation in everyday language. Pulsation is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while palpitation is less common and is typically used in medical or anxiety-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between palpitation and pulsation?
Both palpitation and pulsation are formal words that are commonly used in medical contexts. However, palpitation may be considered more formal due to its association with medical terminology and anxiety-related conditions.