Practitioner: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "practitioner" in other languages:
🇵🇹 praticante
🇮🇳 अभ्यासकर्ता
🇩🇪 Praktiker
🇮🇩 praktisi
🇺🇦 практик
🇵🇱 praktyk
🇯🇵 実践者
🇫🇷 praticien
🇪🇸 practicante
🇹🇷 uygulayıcı
🇰🇷 실무자
🇸🇦 ممارس
🇨🇿 praktik
🇸🇰 praktik
🇨🇳 从业者
🇸🇮 praktik
🇮🇸 sérfræðingur
🇰🇿 практик
🇬🇪 პრაქტიკოსი
🇦🇿 praktik
🇲🇽 practicante