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Prescribed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prescribed

[prษชหˆskraษชbd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

Officially tell someone to take a medicine or follow a particular treatment, typically in written form.

Synonyms

advise, order, recommend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prescribed

Used in medical or authoritative contexts where a formal or specific instruction is given by a qualified professional.

  • The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.
  • The law prescribed a minimum sentence for the crime.
order

Used in contexts where a person in authority gives a command or directive that must be followed. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if used inappropriately.

  • The manager ordered the team to finish the project by Friday.
  • The officer ordered the suspect to put his hands up.
recommend

Often used when suggesting something based on personal opinion, preferences, or experience. It carries a softer tone compared to 'advise'.

  • I recommend trying the chocolate cake at this cafรฉ.
  • The book was highly recommended by my friends.
advise

Used in situations where giving guidance or suggestions based on knowledge or experience is appropriate, often less formal than 'prescribe'.

  • She advised me to save money for emergencies.
  • The consultant advised the company on the best strategy.

Examples of usage

  • He prescribed a course of antibiotics for the infection.
  • The doctor prescribed bed rest for a week.
Context #2 | Adjective

legal

Stated in a law or official document.

Synonyms

defined, specified, stipulated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prescribed

Best used in medical or legal contexts where rules, treatments, or instructions are officially recommended or mandated by an authority.

  • The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.
  • The law prescribes a minimum sentence of five years for this crime.
specified

Best used when explicitly stating details or requirements in instructions, technical documents, or contracts.

  • Please follow the steps as specified in the user manual.
  • The terms and conditions are specified in the contract.
stipulated

Often used in legal or formal contexts to highlight conditions or requirements that have been formally laid out in agreements or regulations.

  • The contract stipulated that the work must be completed by the end of the month.
  • The rules stipulate that players must wear the team uniform.
defined

Used when setting clear and precise boundaries, meanings, or descriptions, often in academic, technical, or everyday contexts.

  • The term 'ecosystem' is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms.
  • Her job role is clearly defined in the company's handbook.

Examples of usage

  • The prescribed penalty for the offense is a fine.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health and Medicine

  • Prescriptions are crucial for patient safety, ensuring the right medication is given.
  • In many countries, prescriptions can only be written by licensed health professionals to prevent misuse.
  • Certain medications require a prescription because they may have significant side effects or potential for abuse.

Legal Aspects

  • Legal definitions about prescriptions can vary by country, affecting how medications are distributed.
  • In some places, there are strict regulations about the types of medications that can be prescribed.
  • Pharmacies usually require verifying a prescription to avoid legal repercussions.

Psychology

  • The act of prescribing can impact a patientโ€™s belief in their recovery, often called the placebo effect.
  • Patients may feel more optimistic about their health if they know they have a prescribed treatment.
  • The relationship between doctors and patients can improve trust when a clear prescription is provided.

Cultural References

  • In pop culture, referencing being prescribed something often suggests following orders, like in movies where characters seek out experts for help.
  • Songs and literature sometimes use 'prescribed' metaphorically, referring to life paths or societal expectations.
  • Television series occasionally show characters defying prescribed advice, highlighting personal choice versus authority.

Origin of 'prescribed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praescribere', meaning 'to write beforehand'.
  • As early as the 15th century, it began being used in English to refer to doctors' orders.
  • The prefix 'pre-' indicates that it is something designed to be set out before action is taken.

The word 'prescribed' originates from the Latin word 'praescribere', which means 'to write before'. It was first used in the 15th century to refer to the act of giving official instructions or orders. Over time, it became commonly associated with medical treatments and legal regulations.

See also: prescriber, prescription.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,080, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.