What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paresthesia
Example
The patient reported paresthesia in their fingers after the surgery. [paresthesia: noun]
Example
I experienced paresthesia in my legs after sitting cross-legged for too long. [paresthetic: adjective]
numbness
Example
My foot fell asleep, and I couldn't feel anything - it was completely numb. [numb: adjective]
Example
She felt a sense of numbness and detachment after receiving the bad news. [numbness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Numbness is more commonly used than paresthesia in everyday language. Numbness is a more straightforward term that is easier to understand and use, while paresthesia is a more technical term that is typically used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paresthesia and numbness?
Paresthesia is a more formal term that is typically used in medical or scientific contexts, while numbness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
