What's the Difference Between 'Heal' and 'Heel'?

In this blog post we look at when to use heal and when to use heel.

'Heal' or 'Heel'?

Heal and heel are two words that are often confused due to their similar spelling, but they have completely different meanings.

Heal refers to the process of becoming healthy or well again after an injury or illness.

For example, "The wound will heal in a few days" or "He is trying to heal the rift between them".

It can also be used as a verb meaning "to make something healthy or well again", as in "The medicine will heal the infection"

Heel, on the other hand, refers to the back part of the foot, below the ankle.

It can also refer to the back part of a shoe or boot, where the foot rests.

It can be used as a verb meaning to follow someone closely, as in "Heel the dog" or "to cause to heel" meaning to make something follow closely, as in "heeling the boat".

In summary, heal refers to the process of becoming healthy or well again after an injury or illness, while heel refers to the back part of the foot or shoe.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference between “heal” and “heel”:

Heal:

"The wound will heal in a few days."

In this sentence, heal refers to the process of the wound becoming healthy again after an injury.

Heel:

"She felt a sharp pain in her heel after the long walk."

In this sentence, heel refers to the back part of the foot, below the ankle. The sentence means that the person felt a sharp pain in the back part of her foot.

Heel:

"The dog was trained to heel on command."

In this sentence, heel is used as a verb, meaning to follow someone closely. It refers to the action of the dog following closely to the person who gave the command.

Heal:

"The medicine will heal the infection."

  • In this sentence, heal is used as a verb, meaning to make something healthy or well again. It refers to the action of the medicine making the infection healthy again.

Heel:

"The heel of the shoe was worn out after years of use."

  • In this sentence, heel refers to the back part of a shoe or boot, where the foot rests. The sentence means that the back part of the shoe was worn out.

Examples of Heal in a Sentence

  1. "The wound will heal in a few days."

  2. "He is trying to heal the rift between them."

  3. "The medicine will heal the infection."

  4. "Healing takes time, but it is possible."

  5. "She applied the ointment to help the cut heal."

  6. "Healing power of nature is undeniable."

  7. "The patient is healing well after the surgery."

  8. "Healing from emotional pain can be difficult."

  9. "Meditation has been shown to aid in healing."

  10. "The body has an amazing ability to heal itself."

Examples of Heel in a Sentence

  1. "She felt a sharp pain in her heel after the long walk."

  2. "The dog was trained to heel on command."

  3. "The heel of the shoe was worn out after years of use."

  4. "I stubbed my toe on the heel of the coffee table."

  5. "She walked on her tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on her heels."

  6. "Heels are not recommended for running or other high-impact activities."

  7. "He tripped over the heel of his boot and fell."

  8. "Heel strikes are a common cause of foot injuries."

  9. "She wore heels to the party to add height to her outfit."

  10. "The heel of the hand is used for certain types of massage."


Heal or Heel
Heal or Heel