Swollen vs. Swollenness — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
"Swollen" describes the condition of being enlarged or inflamed, typically due to injury or infection, while "swollenness" refers to the state or quality of being swollen.
Difference Between Swollen and Swollenness
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Swollen" is an adjective used to describe something that has increased in size, often as a reaction to injury, infection, or another stimulus. On the other hand, "swollenness" is a noun that denotes the condition or quality of being swollen. It is a less common term and is used more in medical or formal contexts.
Swollen typically applies directly to physical appearances, such as swollen limbs, glands, or eyes, indicating an abnormal enlargement. Whereas swollenness focuses on the state itself, often discussed in terms of its causes, duration, and implications in a clinical or detailed descriptive manner.
When discussing medical symptoms, "swollen" is frequently used to quickly convey the visible and tangible aspect of swelling. In contrast, "swollenness" might be used in medical reports or documentation to abstractly discuss the symptom as part of a diagnostic framework.
The usage of "swollen" is far more common in everyday language, readily understood and applied by the general public. Conversely, "swollenness" tends to appear in more specialized or formal settings, where a nuanced distinction between the physical trait and its underlying condition is necessary.
In terms of linguistic preference, "swollen" is straightforward and widely accepted, while "swollenness" can sometimes appear redundant or overly technical, particularly in non-medical contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Usage
Describes physical traits
Describes the state or condition
Context
Common in everyday speech
More formal, medical contexts
Example
A swollen ankle
The swollenness of the tissue
Frequency
Widely used
Less common, more specific
Compare with Definitions
Swollen
Inflamed.
Swollen gums can indicate dental issues.
Swollenness
Quality of enlargement.
Swollenness in bodily tissues often indicates inflammation.
Swollen
Bloated.
He felt swollen after eating too much.
Swollenness
Condition of puffiness.
Swollenness of the eyelids can be a sign of allergies.
Swollen
Puffed up.
Swollen clouds before a storm suggest rain.
Swollenness
Characteristic of bloating.
Abdominal swollenness can result from digestive problems.
Swollen
Bulging.
Swollen bags under his eyes showed his fatigue.
Swollenness
State of being swollen.
The swollenness of her knee alarmed her doctor.
Swollen
Enlarged or expanded.
Her ankle was swollen after the fall.
Swollenness
Degree of inflammation.
The degree of swollenness may determine the severity of the reaction.
Swollen
A past participle of swell.
Swollenness
The state or condition of being swollen.
Swollen
Expanded by or as if by internal pressure; distended
A swollen toe.
Swollen
Overblown; bombastic
Swollen rhetoric.
Swollen
Protuberant or abnormally distended (as by injury or disease).
Swollen
Past participle of swell
Swollen
Enlarged by swelling; immoderately increased; as, swollen eyes; swollen streams.
Swollen
Abnormally distended especially by fluids or gas;
Hungry children with bloated stomachs
He had a grossly distended stomach
Eyes with puffed (or puffy) lids
Swollen hands
Tumescent tissue
Puffy tumid flesh
Swollen
Abnormally expanded or increased in size; (`swollen' is sometimes used in combination);
Distended wineskins
The need to clean out swollen inventories
The raisins were plump and soft and swollen from being soaked
Huge blood-swollen mosquitoes
Swollen
Characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance;
A conceited fool
An attitude of self-conceited arrogance
An egotistical disregard of others
So swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty
Growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary
Vain about her clothes
Swollen
Overfull with water;
Swollen rivers and creeks
Common Curiosities
What is "swollenness"?
"Swollenness" refers to the condition or state of being swollen, emphasizing the quality or extent of swelling.
What does "swollen" mean?
"Swollen" describes an enlargement or expansion, typically due to inflammation or fluid accumulation.
Are there different types of swelling?
Yes, swelling can be either localized to one area or more generalized, depending on the underlying cause.
What could cause something to be swollen?
Causes can include injury, infection, allergic reactions, or other health conditions that lead to fluid buildup or inflammation.
Can "swollen" and "swollenness" be used interchangeably?
While related, they are not interchangeable as "swollen" is an adjective and "swollenness" is a noun describing the state.
Is "swollenness" a common term in everyday language?
No, "swollenness" is less common and more often used in medical or formal contexts.
What are the implications of ignoring swollen symptoms?
Ignoring swelling can lead to worsening symptoms or complications, especially if caused by underlying health issues.
How can swelling be treated?
Treatment depends on the cause but may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, or medication.
Why would a medical professional use "swollenness"?
It helps in documenting the condition in a clinical setting, focusing on the quality and implications of swelling.
Can both "swollen" and "swollenness" describe psychological states?
Typically, no. Both terms are generally used to describe physical conditions rather than psychological states.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
