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therapeutic

thair-uh-PYOO-tik /ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/

adjectiveB2SATGRETOEFL

medicalacademicpsychological

Relating to the healing of disease; having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being.

Can refer to a medical drug's effect or a relaxing activity like gardening.

The story behind the word. In Ancient Greece, a 'therapeutes' was an attendant or servant. Specifically, the 'Therapeutae' were a Jewish sect known for their healing practices. The word shifted from 'attending to' someone to 'healing' them.

Word relationships

healing: Healing is more general; therapeutic often implies a structured or clinical context.
curative: Curative specifically means able to cure; therapeutic means helping in the healing process.

harmful: Harmful causes damage; therapeutic causes healing.
toxic: Toxic is poisonous; therapeutic is beneficial.

Commonly confused with

therapy: Therapy is the noun (the treatment); therapeutic is the adjective (the quality of the treatment).

Word family

therapy (noun): Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
therapist (noun): A person skilled in a particular type of therapy.

Collocations

therapeutic effect
therapeutic relationship
therapeutic dose
therapeutic massage

Example sentences

"The drug has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the dose must be very precise to be safe and effective." Medical efficacy.
"Many people find that keeping a journal is a therapeutic way to process their emotions." Mental health benefit.

Memory hook

Think of a 'Therapist' who is 'Therapeutic.' They help you heal. The quality of healing.

When not to use

Don't use it to describe a 'cure'; it describes the process or quality of healing.

Fun facts

The 'therapeutic touch' is a specific (and controversial) energy healing practice where the practitioner doesn't actually touch the patient.