What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pulsion
Example
The pulsion to eat junk food was too strong to resist. [pulsion: noun]
Example
She felt a pulsion to run away from the situation. [pulsion: noun]
impulse
Example
He had an impulse to buy the expensive watch, even though he couldn't afford it. [impulse: noun]
Example
She impulsively quit her job without having another one lined up. [impulsively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impulse is more commonly used than pulsion in everyday language. Impulse is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while pulsion is less common and has a more technical connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pulsion and impulse?
Pulsion is a more formal word that is often used in academic or clinical settings, while impulse is more commonly used in informal contexts.
