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Doctor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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doctor

[ˈdɒktər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

healthcare professional

A doctor is a person who is qualified to treat people who are ill. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures.

Synonyms

medical practitioner, physician, surgeon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
doctor

General term for a person qualified to treat people who are ill. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • I need to see my doctor for a check-up.
  • The doctor prescribed me some medicine.
physician

A term primarily used in the U.S.A. and other English-speaking countries to refer to someone who treats illnesses with medicine and not surgery. Often used in healthcare settings.

  • She consulted a physician about her persistent cough.
  • Physicians recommend getting vaccinated before the flu season.
surgeon

A doctor who specializes in performing surgery. Used in contexts involving surgical procedures.

  • The surgeon performed a successful heart operation.
  • She became a renowned surgeon after years of practice.
medical practitioner

More formal term for someone who practices medicine, often used in official or academic settings.

  • Medical practitioners must stay updated with the latest medical research.
  • The hospital hired several new medical practitioners.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor examined the patient and made a diagnosis.
  • My sister is studying to become a doctor.
  • Patients trust their doctors to provide them with the best care.
  • Many doctors work long hours to help their patients.
  • Doctors often have to make difficult decisions in emergency situations.
Context #2 | Noun

academic title

In academic settings, a doctor is a person who has earned the highest degree in their field of study. They are often referred to as 'Dr.' and are experts in their area of expertise.

Synonyms

Ph.D., academic, scholar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
doctor

Can also refer to someone who has earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a specific field.

  • After years of study, she finally became a doctor of philosophy.
  • He is a doctor in the field of engineering.
Ph.D.

Specifically refers to the degree itself and often indicates a high level of expertise in a particular academic area.

  • She is pursuing her Ph.D. in physics.
  • He earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.
scholar

Generally refers to someone who has a lot of knowledge in a specific area of study, often through extensive reading and research.

  • The professor is a well-respected scholar in medieval literature.
  • He is a scholar who has published numerous papers on ancient history.
academic

Refers to someone who works in education or research, especially at a university level.

  • He is an academic who teaches at a prestigious university.
  • Her academic research focuses on environmental science.

Examples of usage

  • Dr. Smith is a renowned expert in the field of astrophysics.
  • She became a doctor of philosophy after completing her doctoral thesis.
  • Many professors are addressed as 'doctor' by their students.
  • To become a medical doctor, one must complete years of rigorous training.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first known medical schools appeared in ancient Greece around the 5th century BC, training some of the earliest doctors.
  • In medieval Europe, physicians were often educated at universities, where they learned from texts written by ancient scholars.

Pop Culture

  • Doctors have been popular characters in many movies and TV shows, often portrayed as heroes saving lives, as seen in series like 'ER' and 'Grey's Anatomy.'
  • Fictional doctors, such as Dr. House from 'House M.D.,' shine a light on the complex and sometimes dramatic personal lives of medical professionals.

Science

  • Doctors use scientific knowledge about the body and diseases to help diagnose and treat patients, making them crucial in health-related advancements.
  • The field of medicine continually evolves with new technologies, like telemedicine, which allows doctors to consult patients from afar.

Psychology

  • The relationship between doctors and patients can significantly affect treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of good communication and trust.
  • Studies show that a doctor's empathy and care for patients can enhance their recovery and overall health experience.

Origin of 'doctor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'doctor' comes from the Latin word 'docere,' meaning 'to teach.' This reflects the role of doctors as educators about health.
  • Historically, the term has evolved from a title for teachers to one for medical professionals, showing the connection between education and health care.

The word 'doctor' originated from the Latin word 'doctor', which means 'teacher'. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century to refer to a person who had obtained the highest degree in a particular field of study. Over time, the term 'doctor' came to be associated specifically with medical professionals who diagnose and treat illnesses. Today, the word 'doctor' is commonly used to refer to both healthcare professionals and individuals with academic titles.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,103, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.