Practitioner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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practitioner
[prækˈtɪʃənər ]
Definitions
healthcare
A practitioner is a person who practices a profession, especially in the field of healthcare. They are skilled and trained individuals who provide medical care or services to patients.
Synonyms
clinician, professional, specialist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| practitioner |
Use this word when referring to someone who practices a specific profession, especially in healthcare. It implies hands-on experience and practical skills.
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| professional |
This word is suitable when referring to someone who is competent and has a high level of skill in their field, not limited to healthcare professions.
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| clinician |
This word is best used when referring to a healthcare professional, like a doctor or nurse, who deals directly with patients rather than working in a research or academic setting.
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| specialist |
Use this word to describe someone who is highly skilled in a specific area or field, often having more in-depth knowledge than general practitioners.
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Examples of usage
- The nurse practitioner examined the patient and prescribed medication.
- The holistic practitioner focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
law
In the legal field, a practitioner is a lawyer or attorney who practices law. They represent clients in court, provide legal advice, and handle legal matters.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| practitioner |
Used for someone actively engaged in a profession, particularly in health, law, or other specialized fields, and generally refers to those who practice daily.
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| lawyer |
The most general term for someone authorized to practice law, commonly used in everyday language.
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| attorney |
Commonly used in the United States to refer to a lawyer formally appointed to act for another person in legal matters. Slightly more formal.
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| counsel |
Typically refers to a lawyer or group of lawyers giving legal advice or representing clients in court. Often used in more formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The criminal law practitioner defended the accused in court.
- The immigration practitioner helps clients with visa applications.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Healthcare
- In medical contexts, a practitioner often refers to someone who provides treatment, like a physician or nurse.
- Different types of practitioners exist, including general practitioners (GPs) and specialist practitioners who focus on particular fields, like cardiology.
- In alternative medicine, practitioners may include those who use natural remedies, like chiropractors or acupuncturists.
Education
- Educational practitioners, such as teachers, apply pedagogical techniques to improve learning experiences.
- The term also refers to professionals within the educational system who develop curricula and implement teaching strategies.
- In teacher training, the idea of a 'reflective practitioner' emphasizes continuous learning and adapting to methods for better student outcomes.
Law
- In the legal field, practitioners are often lawyers or judges who handle cases in various areas of law.
- Becoming a legal practitioner typically requires a law degree and passing a bar exam in their jurisdiction.
- They are tasked with applying legal principles to real-life situations, advocating for clients, and ensuring justice.
Pop Culture
- Films and TV shows often portray practitioners in various roles, highlighting their dedication to their fields, such as 'The Good Doctor' featuring a medical practitioner.
- In fantasy genres, practitioners could be magical experts like those in 'The Practitioner' series, blending the ordinary with extraordinary skills.
- The term 'practitioner' has become popular in self-help and wellness culture, often referring to life coaches or mentors who assist others.
Origin of 'practitioner'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'practicus', meaning able to do, and the French 'pratiquer', meaning to practice.
- It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to someone who practiced medicine.
- Over time, the term broadened to include various professions, reflecting the increasing specialization in fields of work.
The word 'practitioner' originated from the Latin word 'practicare', meaning 'to practice'. It has been used in English since the mid-16th century to refer to a person actively engaged in a profession or practice, especially in the fields of healthcare and law.
See also: impracticable, malpractice, malpractices, practicable, practiced, practices, unpracticed.