Callous vs Callus: Here’s the Difference [+ Sentence Examples]

These two words have almost the same meaning, but not quite.

A callus (noun) is the hardened and rough skin that forms due to abrasion, such as on the tips of the fingers of a guitar player. Callus is also a verb:

My fingertips began to callus as I practiced playing sitar. Now, they are callused.

Callous, in contrast, is an adjective, which can mean either callused or hard-hearted:

He had callous hands from working hard but he was not a callous person.

Prisoners may be treated with callous indifference.

Callous is also a verb meaning “to make callous”:

Working with wood will callous your hands but not your heart!

Which means, in summation, that you can say the same thing three ways:

His hands were calloused / callused / callous from wood-working.

Callus, remember, cannot be used as an adjective, nor to mean a hard-heart, so don’t get them confused; the following sentence nicely shows both the grammatical and semantic difference:

Playing guitar gave him calluses (noun) on his hands but not a callous (adjective) heart. 

How to Use "Callous" in a Sentence

Here are more examples of how to use "callous" in a sentence:

1. The woman in the show had a callous on the side of her nose.
2. The professor was callous and cold, and no one wanted to remain the class.
3. He was callous towards his mother.
4. Jose was callous towards his mother because she had never treated him well, but after she passed away, he was filled with regret.
5. She had a callous on her palm from lifting weights without gloves.
6. My callouses were getting to be a problem because of how much I walked.
7. Callousness is often viewed as a negative character trait, but some people see it as a way to protect themselves from being hurt—however mistaken that view is.
8. Being callous towards others can—not surprisingly—lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
9. Callousness is often viewed as a character flaw, but new research suggests that it may have evolved as an essential survival skill.
10. While callousness can have negative consequences, there may be cases where it can be beneficial or even necessary.

How to Use "Callus" in a Sentence

Here are more examples of how to use "callous" in a sentence:

1. Calluses are a common foot ailment that can be treated in a number of ways.
2. One way to treat calluses is to soak your feet in warm water and then use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin cells.
3. If you have a severe case of calluses, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.
4. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your calluses, make an appointment with your doctor.
5. It’s very common for hikers often develop calluses on their feet.
6. Calluses are caused by pressure and friction, and they can become quite thick.
7. A callus is formed when the body produces extra cells to cover the wound.
8. The purpose of a callus is to protect the underlying tissue from further damage.
9. Calluses are often caused by activities such as running, hiking, or dancing, but can also be the result of wearing tight shoes or using a tool incorrectly.
10. The best way to treat a callus is to give it a break from whatever is causing it to form in the first place.
11. If you can't avoid the activity that's causing the callus, then try using a product like a callus remover to soften the skin and make it easier to remove.