What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sick
Example
I'm feeling sick today, I think I caught a cold. [sick: adjective]
Example
The smell of the food made me feel sick to my stomach. [sick: preposition]
Example
She's been feeling sick for a few days now, and she's not sure why. [sick: adverb]
nauseous
Example
The rollercoaster ride left me feeling nauseous and dizzy. [nauseous: adjective]
Example
The smell of the garbage made her feel nauseous and sick. [nauseous: adjective]
Example
He felt nauseous after eating the spicy food. [nauseous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sick is a more common word than nauseous and is used in a wider range of contexts. Nauseous is a more specific term and is typically used to describe a temporary feeling of sickness or discomfort.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sick and nauseous?
Sick is a more neutral and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while nauseous is less common and may be considered more formal or technical in certain situations.
