What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phrenic
Example
The patient had phrenic nerve damage, causing difficulty breathing. [phrenic: adjective]
Example
The doctor recommended a phrenic nerve block to alleviate the patient's pain. [phrenic: noun]
diaphragmatic
Example
The singer practiced diaphragmatic breathing to improve her vocal range. [diaphragmatic: adjective]
Example
The patient underwent diaphragmatic hernia repair surgery. [diaphragmatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diaphragmatic is more commonly used than phrenic in everyday language, due to its broader and more general connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phrenic and diaphragmatic?
Both phrenic and diaphragmatic are technical terms used in medical contexts, making them more formal than everyday language. However, phrenic may be considered more technical and specific than diaphragmatic.