Hurt vs Injure
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Hurt | Injure | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to cause pain or damage to someone or something | to hurt someone or something |
| CEFR level | A2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Usage notes | Use 'hurt' when talking about physical or emotional pain. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts but avoid it in overly formal writing. Saying someone 'hurt my feelings' is common. | Use in contexts related to physical harm. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing sports or accidents. |
Frequently asked questions: Hurt vs Injure
What's the difference between "Hurt" and "Injure"?
"Hurt" means: to cause pain or damage to someone or something "Injure" means: to hurt someone or something
When should I use "Hurt" and "Injure"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Hurt" and "Injure" the same CEFR level?
"Hurt" is at A2, "Injure" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.