What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subspecialist
Example
The patient was referred to a subspecialist for their rare condition. [subspecialist: noun]
Example
She decided to become a subspecialist in pediatric cardiology. [subspecialist: noun]
specialist
Example
The specialist recommended surgery as the best treatment option. [specialist: noun]
Example
He is a specialist in infectious diseases. [specialist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specialist is a more commonly used term than subspecialist in everyday language. Specialist is a versatile term that covers a wide range of medical fields, while subspecialist is a more specific term that refers to a highly specialized area within a specialty.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subspecialist and specialist?
Both subspecialist and specialist are formal terms used in medical contexts. However, subspecialist may be considered more formal due to its highly specialized nature.