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Remedy: meaning, definitions and examples

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remedy

 

[ˈrɛmədi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A remedy is a treatment or medicine used to cure a disease or relieve pain. It can also refer to a solution to a problem or difficulty.

Synonyms

cure, relief, solution, treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remedy

Use when referring to a means or method for solving a problem or correcting an undesirable situation, especially in a health context.

  • A hot cup of tea is a common remedy for a sore throat.
  • The lawyer proposed a remedy for the legal issue.
cure

Typically used in a medical context, signifying a method or treatment that completely eradicates a disease or condition.

  • Scientists are working hard to find a cure for cancer.
  • The new treatment offers a potential cure for certain types of diseases.
treatment

Commonly used in medical and healthcare contexts, indicating an ongoing process or application of methods to manage or alleviate a condition.

  • Her treatment for the infection included antibiotics.
  • He is undergoing treatment for his chronic back pain.
solution

Used to denote an answer or a means of effectively solving a general problem or difficulty, not necessarily related to health.

  • The team brainstormed to find a solution to the software bug.
  • Environmental pollution requires global solutions.
relief

Refers to the alleviation or reduction of pain, stress, or discomfort, rather than a complete solution.

  • She felt immediate relief after taking the headache medication.
  • The charity provided much-needed relief to the disaster victims.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed a herbal remedy for my cough.
  • Talking to a friend is often a good remedy for stress.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To remedy something means to correct or improve it, to make it right.

Synonyms

amend, correct, fix, rectify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remedy

Used in situations involving medical or health-related problems, as well as to describe solutions to more abstract or complex issues.

  • Doctors sought a remedy for the patient's illness.
  • We need to find a remedy for the company's financial problems.
correct

Suitable for general use when making small adjustments or fixing errors, particularly in academic, technical, or everyday settings.

  • Please correct the spelling errors in your essay.
  • She corrected her course to avoid the obstacles.
fix

Common in casual contexts, typically applied to physical objects, mechanical items, or straightforward problems.

  • Can you fix the broken chair?
  • We need to fix the leaky faucet.
rectify

Typically used in formal or technical settings, often to describe the act of correcting or setting right more serious or systematic issues.

  • The company took steps to rectify the safety issues.
  • He quickly moved to rectify the errors in the report.
amend

Often used in formal or legal contexts where changes or corrections to documents, laws, or policies are necessary.

  • The constitution was amended to include new rights.
  • He amended his statement after realizing his mistake.

Examples of usage

  • The company took immediate action to remedy the situation.
  • She promised to remedy the mistake as soon as possible.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'remedium,' meaning 'to heal or cure.'
  • In Old French, it was 'remede,' which indicates both healing and remedying a situation.

History

  • Ancient civilizations used natural 'remedies' from plants and herbs for healing long before modern medicine.
  • In medieval times, people often turned to home remedies as there were few doctors available, emphasizing the communal sharing of knowledge.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare’s plays, 'remedy' often refers not only to healing but also to resolving conflicts, showcasing its metaphorical importance.
  • In classic novels, characters frequently search for remedies for emotional ailments, illustrating their human struggles.

Culture

  • Traditional healing practices, like Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine, encompass remedies that include dietary, physical, and spiritual aspects.
  • In various cultures, folklore often features remedies passed down through generations, reflecting their values around health and wellness.

Psychology

  • 'Remedies' are not only physical; they can also be strategies we use to cope with emotional difficulties, like therapy or meditation.
  • Research shows that ‘talk therapy’ serves as a remedy for many mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of communication in healing.

Translations

Translations of the word "remedy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 remédio

🇮🇳 उपचार

🇩🇪 Heilmittel

🇮🇩 obat

🇺🇦 ліки

🇵🇱 remedium

🇯🇵 治療法

🇫🇷 remède

🇪🇸 remedio

🇹🇷 ilaç

🇰🇷 치료제

🇸🇦 علاج

🇨🇿 lék

🇸🇰 liek

🇨🇳 药物

🇸🇮 zdravilo

🇮🇸 lyf

🇰🇿 емдік

🇬🇪 გახსნის

🇦🇿 dərman

🇲🇽 remedio

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,883, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.