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Treating: meaning, definitions and examples

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treating

 

[ ˈtriːtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical approach

Treating refers to the act of providing care, remedy, or assistance to someone who is ill or injured. It encompasses various methods and procedures aimed at alleviating symptoms or curing diseases. The approach can vary based on the condition being addressed.

Synonyms

caring for, curing, healing, remedying

Examples of usage

  • The doctor is treating the patient for a severe infection.
  • She is treating her cold with over-the-counter medication.
  • They are treating the wound with antiseptic.
  • He was treated for his allergies last spring.
Context #2 | Verb

social interaction

Treating can also mean to behave toward someone in a particular way. This usage is more casual and applies to how one person relates to another, whether positively or negatively.

Synonyms

behaving towards, dealing with, handling, regarding

Examples of usage

  • She is treating her friends with kindness.
  • He treats everyone equally, regardless of their background.
  • They treated the guests to a wonderful dinner.
  • It's important to treat others with respect.

Etymology

The word 'treating' is derived from the Middle English term 'treten', which has its roots in the Old English word 'trēowian', meaning to 'handle or deal with'. This etymology reflects a broadening of usage from the original senses of handling objects or matters to the more specific context of healthcare and interpersonal relations. Over the centuries, 'treating' evolved to encompass various forms of care, whether in a medical context or in terms of social interactions. Today, it is commonly employed in healthcare to denote the act of managing health conditions, and it also retains a significant application in social contexts, emphasizing how individuals engage with and respond to one another.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,200, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.