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Soviphou Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

Sick

What are the differences between "sick" and "ill"?

And what are the differences between "I get sick" and "I am sick"? (for sick that means unwell)
  

Top answer

soviphou What are the differences between "sick" and "ill"? Americans don't use "ill" much; we say "sick" where a Brit would say "ill". Brits use "sick" to mean "nauseated" more than Americans do.

— Enoon

  • soviphou What are the differences between "sick" and "ill"?
  • Americans don't use "ill" much; we say "sick" where a Brit would say "ill".
  • Brits use "sick" to mean "nauseated" more than Americans do.
  • American usually use "sick to one's stomach" instead of a plain "sick", unless the meaning is clear with "sick" alone.
  • You can say you feel sick and mean "nauseated" in the US if you have just eaten a pound of smoked butterfish, and the other person knows that.
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2 Answers
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soviphou What are the differences between "sick" and "ill"?
Americans don't use "ill" much; we say "sick" where a Brit would say "ill". Brits use "sick" to mean "nauseated" more than Americans do. American usually use "sick to one's stomach" instead of a plain "sick", unless the meaning is clear with "sick" alone. You can say you feel sick and mean "nauseated"
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The following definitions are from Collins Cobuild Dictionary, a British English Dictionary.

If you are sick, you are ill. Sick usually means physically ill, but it can sometimes be used to mean mentally ill.
He's very sick. He needs medication...
She found herself with two small children, a sick husband, and no money...
N-PLURAL the N

If you
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