paraplegic
paraplegic — adjective
1. describing a person whose lower body is paralyzed — someone cannot feel or move
describing a person whose lower body is paralyzed — someone cannot feel or move their legs, usually after an injury to the spinal nerves
The hospital created a special exercise program that helps paraplegic patients strengthen their upper body muscles.
attributive use before noun: 'paraplegic patients'
After the motorcycle crash, the young man was left paraplegic and now uses a wheelchair.
predicative use after 'was left'
New voice-controlled computers let paraplegic office workers send emails and open files without using a keyboard.
The hospital installed roll-in showers with grab bars so paraplegic patients can bathe independently.
A sports coach trained the paraplegic teenagers to compete in wheelchair basketball.
- paralyzed
broader term; can refer to any body part, not just the lower body
- disabled
much broader; covers all types of physical or mental impairment
- wheelchair-bound
often considered outdated or offensive; 'wheelchair user' is preferred
- able-bodied
describes someone without physical disability
文法句型
be + paraplegic
left + paraplegic
paraplegic + noun
用法筆記
Unlike general 'paralyzed,' 'paraplegic' specifically refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body only, not the arms. The adjective form is widely accepted in medical and news writing.
常見錯誤
paraplegic — noun
1. a person whose legs and lower body are paralyzed, usually because of a spinal co
a person whose legs and lower body are paralyzed, usually because of a spinal cord injury
Rehabilitation specialist Diya explained that many paraplegics work full-time jobs, raise families, and travel abroad.
plural form for general reference
The rehabilitation program taught the young paraplegic how to cook meals, dress himself, and drive a modified car.
Support groups allow paraplegics to share advice about living with their condition.
A local charity raises money to send paraplegics on kayaking and hand-cycling trips in national parks.
New adaptive sports equipment makes it easier for paraplegics to stay physically active.
- person with paraplegia
person-first language preferred by many advocacy groups
- wheelchair user
broader term; not all wheelchair users have paraplegia
文法句型
a + paraplegic
the + paraplegic
paraplegics (plural)
用法筆記
Some people consider the noun 'a paraplegic' less respectful than 'a person with paraplegia' because it defines someone by their medical condition. The adjective form (e.g., 'paraplegic patients') is more widely accepted.