What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smallpox
Example
Smallpox was once a major public health threat before it was eradicated in 1980. [smallpox: noun]
Example
The smallpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing the spread of the disease. [smallpox: adjective]
pox
Example
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. [pox: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the pox on his face. [pox: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pox is a less common term than smallpox in everyday language. Smallpox is a well-known disease that has been eradicated, while pox is a general term that encompasses various skin infections.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smallpox and pox?
Both smallpox and pox are formal terms used in medical contexts. However, smallpox is a more specific and technical term than pox, which is a more general term that may be used in informal settings.
