Heel vs Heal: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Heel" refers to the back part of the foot, while "heal" is used to mean recovering or making something better.
Memory Tip: heel = foot's end, heal = make well
heel has long /iː/, heal has long /iː/
heel
nounThe heel is the back part of the foot below the ankle, often used to refer to the part of a shoe that supports this area.
Example:
I bought new shoes yesterday, but the heel broke while I was walking to the bus stop.
Common patterns:
high heel
heel pain
heel strike
heal
verbTo heal means to make or become healthy again, often after injury or illness, and can also refer to emotional recovery.
Example:
If you give it some time, your broken heart will heal and you'll feel better.
Common patterns:
heal wounds
heal the body
heal relationships
Common Mistakes
I need to give my ankle time to heel after the injury.
I need to give my ankle time to heal after the injury.
The word 'heal' is used because it refers to the process of recovering from an injury.
She bought a new pair of shoes with a comfortable heal.
She bought a new pair of shoes with a comfortable heel.
The word 'heel' is correct here because it refers to the back part of the shoe.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I bought new shoes yesterday, but the ____ broke while I was walking to the bus stop.
2. If you give it some time, your broken heart will ____ and you'll feel better.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse heel / heal again
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