What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pleurisy
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with pleurisy after he complained of chest pain. [pleurisy: noun]
Example
She had difficulty breathing due to pleurisy, which made her cough more painful. [pleurisy: adjective]
pleuritis
Example
The patient was diagnosed with pleuritis after experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. [pleuritis: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed medication to treat the pleuritis and reduce the inflammation in the lungs. [pleuritis: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pleuritis is more commonly used than pleurisy in medical contexts and is the preferred term among healthcare professionals. Pleurisy is less commonly used in modern language and may be considered outdated or archaic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pleurisy and pleuritis?
Both pleurisy and pleuritis are formal terms used in medical contexts and are not typically used in everyday language.
