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therapeutic

thehr-uh-PYOO-tik /ˌθɛrəˈpjutɪk/

adjectiveB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

generaltechnical

Relating to the healing of disease or having a good, beneficial effect on the body or mind.

Can describe physical medical treatments or any activity that brings mental peace and healing.

The story behind the word. Derived from the Greek word 'therapeutikos', which comes from 'therapeutes', meaning an attendant or one who ministers. In ancient Greece, it referred to serving or caring for the sick.

Word relationships

curative: Curative specifically implies curing a disease, whereas therapeutic has a broader meaning of being generally beneficial to health and well-being.
healing: Healing is a warmer, more informal word, while therapeutic sounds more clinical and scientific.

harmful: Directly causing damage or injury, whereas therapeutic heals.
detrimental: Causing harm or damage to health or progress.

Commonly confused with

palliative: Palliative care relieves pain without curing the underlying cause, while therapeutic treatments aim to heal or actively improve the condition.

Word family

therapeutically (adverb): In a manner that helps to cure or heal.
therapy (noun): Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.

Collocations

therapeutic benefits
therapeutic effect
highly therapeutic

Example sentences

"The quiet of the forest had a therapeutic effect on his stressed mind." A study on the benefits of nature walks.

Memory hook

Think of 'therapy'. Anything that is 'therapeutic' acts like a good therapy session for your body or mind. Acts like a healing therapy.

When not to use

Do not use to describe things that are merely enjoyable but have no restorative or healing value.

Fun facts

The 'Therapeutae' were an ancient Jewish sect in Egypt known for their solitary, contemplative lifestyle and their focus on healing both the soul and the body.