Difference Between Heal and Heel

Heal vs. Heel

In English, “heal” and “heel” sound the same but mean different things. Let’s learn about these two words!

History

The word heal comes from old English “hǣlan,” which means “to make whole or healthy.” The word heel comes from old English “hēla,” which means the back part of the foot.

How to Use Them

Heal: This word means to get better or to make something better.

Heel: This word means the back part of your foot. It can also mean to follow someone closely.

Trick to Remember

An easy way to remember is:

• Heal has “ea” like in “clean,” and it means to make healthy or better.
• Heel has “ee” like in “feet,” and it means the back part of the foot.

Examples Sentences

Heal

• The doctor will heal your wound.
• Time can heal a broken heart.
• The bandage helps heal the cut.
• She needs to heal after her surgery.
• Medicine can heal the illness.

Heel

• Her heel hurts after walking.
• The dog stayed at his master’s heel.
• The heel of my shoe is broken.
• Stand on your heels to reach higher.
• He stepped on a sharp rock with his heel.

Summary

“heal” means to make better or healthy. “heel” refers to the back part of the foot or to follow closely. Remember: “heal” has “ea” like “clean,” and “heel” has “ee” like “feet.”