Infection vs Inflammation
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Infection | Inflammation | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | When germs or bacteria get into the body and make you sick. | Swelling and redness in the body, usually due to injury or infection. |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Usage notes | Use 'infection' in medical or health contexts. It's appropriate for conversations with healthcare professionals or when discussing illnesses. Avoid using it in casual or non-serious discussions. | It's commonly used in medical contexts to describe a response to injury or infection. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing health topics. |
Frequently asked questions: Infection vs Inflammation
What's the difference between "Infection" and "Inflammation"?
"Infection" means: When germs or bacteria get into the body and make you sick. "Inflammation" means: Swelling and redness in the body, usually due to injury or infection.
When should I use "Infection" and "Inflammation"?
They can all be used in everyday English.