Orthopedic vs Orthopaedic
What’s the difference between them?
Orthopedic
Meaning:
Relating to the medical specialty that deals with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments.
Examples:
1. I am going to the doctor to get an orthopedic exam for my knee.
2. The orthopedic shoe provides extra cushioning and stability for my feet.
3. The orthopedic specialist performed surgery on my daughter's broken arm.
Orthopaedic
Meaning:
Orthopaedic: relating to the medical treatment of bones, muscles, and joints.
Examples:
1. The orthopaedic surgeon prescribed a course of physical therapy to help her back problem.
2. I was referred to an orthopaedic specialist to assess my broken bone.
3. The orthopaedic hospital has a reputation for providing excellent care.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Orthopedic
1. Musculoskeletal
2. Skeletal
3. Joint-related
4. Bone-related
5. Rehabilitative Medicine
1. Neurological
2. Non-surgical
3. Anatomical
4. Traditional medicine
5. Restorative medicine
Orthopaedic
1. Skeletal
2. Muscular
3. Bone-related
4. Podiatric
5. Joint-related
1. Neurological
2. Non-surgical
3. Palliative
4. Conservative
5. Medical treatment
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Orthopedic", "Orthopaedic".
1. Remember that the American English spelling is 'orthopedic' and the British English spelling is 'orthopaedic'.
2. Look for spelling variations within a document and make sure you are using the same spelling throughout.
3. If you are unsure about the correct spelling, look it up in a dictionary.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
Orthopedic is the American spelling of the word and is commonly used in the United States.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
Orthopaedic is the British spelling of the word and is commonly used in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same, as 'or-THO-pee-dik'.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make when using these words is confusing them with the word 'orthodontic', which is the study and treatment of malocclusions, or improper bites. Additionally, people often forget to use the correct spelling depending on the region they’re in.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. After the car accident, he needed _______ shoes to help correct his foot posture.
2. In the UK, many surgeons specialize in _______ medicine to treat bone and joint conditions.
3. She bought an _______ mattress from an American brand to support her back while sleeping.
4. The hospital in London has a renowned _______ department.
5. For sports injuries in the USA, its common to consult an _______ surgeon.
6. After her hiking mishap, Maria got an _______ brace for her knee.
1. Answer: orthopedic or orthopaedic
Explanation: Theres no specific reference to British or American context, so both spellings are accepted.
2. Answer: orthopaedic
Explanation: The clue UK indicates a British context. In British English, orthopaedic is the preferred spelling.
3. Answer: orthopedic
Explanation: The phrase an American brand provides a clue for the American English spelling, which is orthopedic.
4. Answer: orthopaedic
Explanation: The clue London indicates a British context. In British English, orthopaedic is the typical spelling.
5. Answer: orthopedic
Explanation: The clue USA indicates an American context, making orthopedic the appropriate spelling.
6. Answer: orthopedic or orthopaedic
Explanation: Theres no specific reference to British or American context in this sentence, so both spellings are accepted.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.