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therapeutic

thair-uh-PYOO-tik /ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/

adjectiveB2IELTSTOEFL

MedicalGeneral

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

While it can refer to medical treatment, it is often used for activities that provide emotional relief or relaxation (e.g., 'gardening is therapeutic').

The story behind the word. From 'therapeuein,' meaning 'to wait on' or 'to attend.' In ancient times, a 'therapeutes' was an attendant or servant, eventually becoming one who attended to the sick.

Word relationships

curative: 'Curative' implies a complete cure; 'therapeutic' implies a beneficial or healing process.
restorative: 'Restorative' focuses on bringing back health or strength; 'therapeutic' is broader.

harmful: Causing or capable of causing damage or harm.
detrimental: Tending to cause harm.

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 kind of therapy.

Collocations

therapeutic effect
therapeutic relationship
therapeutic benefits
therapeutic intervention

Example sentences

"Many people find that keeping a journal is a therapeutic way to process their emotions." Describing the benefits of an activity.
"The drug has several therapeutic uses, ranging from pain relief to reducing inflammation." Referring to medical treatment.

Memory hook

Therapeutic helps you 'Thrive' through 'Therapy'. The healing touch.

When not to use

Don't use it to mean 'fun' or 'enjoyable' unless there is an element of healing or stress relief involved.

Fun facts

The word 'therapy' was first used in English in the 1840s, but 'therapeutic' dates back to the 17th century.