What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surgeon
Example
The surgeon performed a successful heart transplant surgery. [surgeon: noun]
Example
She is studying to become a surgeon and hopes to work in a hospital one day. [surgeon: noun]
physician
Example
The physician recommended a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. [physician: noun]
Example
He has been seeing the same physician for years and trusts her medical advice. [physician: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Physician is more commonly used than surgeon in everyday language. Physician is a broad term that covers a wide range of medical professionals, while surgeon refers specifically to medical professionals who perform surgeries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surgeon and physician?
Both surgeon and physician can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, surgeon may be more associated with a formal or technical tone due to its specialized nature.
