What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sterile
Example
The surgical tools must be sterile to prevent infection. [sterile: adjective]
Example
The laboratory was kept sterile to ensure accurate test results. [sterile: adjective]
antiseptic
Example
The nurse applied antiseptic to the wound to prevent infection. [antiseptic: noun]
Example
The doctor cleaned the area with an antiseptic solution before performing the surgery. [antiseptic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antiseptic is more commonly used than sterile in everyday language, especially in the context of wound care and cleaning. Sterile is more commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in the context of surgeries and medical procedures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sterile and antiseptic?
Sterile and antiseptic are both formal words that are commonly used in medical and scientific contexts. However, sterile may be considered more technical and specific to medical environments, while antiseptic has a broader range of applications and can be used in various contexts.
