Cool MateHeadache vs Migraine
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Headache
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
Migraine
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Headache
| Headache | Migraine | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhedeɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhedeɪk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈmaɪɡreɪn//🇺🇸 //ˈmaɪɡreɪn// |
| Meaning | A pain in your head. | A very bad headache that can make you feel sick. |
| Example | I have a terrible headache after studying all night. | I had to cancel our plans because I was suffering from a migraine. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | bad, chronic, severe, experience, have, suffer from, medicine, pill, tablet, big, huge, major, create, headache for | migraine attack, chronic migraine, migraine headache, treatment for migraine, migraine symptoms |
| Antonyms | relief, comfort | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'migrane' - a more severe type of headache., Using it in the plural form incorrectly (headaches) when describing a general feeling., Mispronouncing it as 'head-ake' instead of 'hed-ayk'. | Confused with 'tension headache', which is different., Using 'migrain' instead of 'migraine'., Describing it as just a bad headache, when it has specific symptoms. |
| Usage notes | Use 'headache' in a medical context or when describing discomfort. Avoid using it casually unless in informal conversations about feeling unwell. | Use 'migraine' in medical contexts or when discussing headaches. Avoid casual settings unless talking to someone familiar with health issues. |
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Frequently asked questions: Headache vs Migraine
What's the difference between Headache and Migraine?
Headache: A pain in your head. Migraine: A very bad headache that can make you feel sick.
Which is more common: Headache and Migraine?
Headache is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Headache: I have a terrible headache after studying all night. Migraine: I had to cancel our plans because I was suffering from a migraine.
Can I use Headache and Migraine interchangeably?
Not always. Headache and Migraine are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.