prescribe
pri-SKRAYB
/prɪˈskraɪb/
To advise or authorize the use of a medicine or treatment; to state authoritatively that a rule or course of action should be followed.
Implies an expert or authority setting down a precise, helpful, yet mandatory path to follow (like a doctor or a constitution).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'praescribere', which literally means 'to write before' (from 'prae', before, and 'scribere', to write). In ancient Roman legal terms, a 'praescriptio' was a heading written at the top of a legal document that directed how the rest of the case should be handled.
Word relationships
- direct: 'Direct' is a general term for giving instructions, while 'prescribe' implies a formal, written, or highly specific set of instructions.
- proscribe: CRITICAL: 'Proscribe' means to forbid or ban, which is the exact opposite of 'prescribe' (to recommend or order).
- proscribe: 'Proscribe' means to forbid or outlaw, whereas 'prescribe' means to establish as a rule or recommendation.
- abolish: 'Abolish' is to formally do away with a rule, rather than establishing one.
Commonly confused with
- proscribe: 'Prescribe' is to lay down a rule to be followed; 'proscribe' is to condemn or forbid a practice.
Word family
- prescription (noun): An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided with a medicine or treatment; an authoritative recommendation.
- prescriptive (adjective): Relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method.
Collocations
- prescribe medication
- prescribe rules
- prescribe treatment
- as prescribed by law
Example sentences
- "The doctor decided to prescribe a mild antibiotic to treat the persistent infection." A medical professional's decision.
- "The regulations prescribe the exact method for electing new board members." A constitutional or legal framework.
Memory hook
Think of a doctor 'writing' (scribe) down a note 'before' (pre) you can get your medicine. Write the rules beforehand.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a vague suggestion or a rule that is imposed purely for control without a helpful purpose.
Fun facts
- In linguistics, a 'prescriptive' grammar tells you how you should speak, whereas a 'descriptive' grammar simply describes how people do speak.
Explore more words
prescriptive, proscribe, regimen, give permission, mandate, authorize
Also appears in
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