What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wounded
Example
The soldier was wounded in battle and had to be airlifted to the hospital. [wounded: adjective]
Example
The medic tended to the wounded soldier's injuries. [wounded: noun]
hurt
Example
I hurt my ankle while playing soccer. [hurt: verb]
Example
She felt hurt by her friend's comments. [hurt: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hurt is more commonly used than wounded in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can refer to both physical and emotional pain. Wounded is more specific and typically used in the context of war or combat.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wounded and hurt?
Wounded is more formal and associated with military or medical contexts, while hurt is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.