family practice
C1Professional, Technical, Semi-formal
Definition
Meaning
A medical practice, often a clinic or surgery, that provides comprehensive and continuing general healthcare for individuals and families of all ages, emphasizing prevention and long-term care.
1. The field or specialty of general medicine performed by general practitioners (GPs) or family physicians, as opposed to a hospital-based specialty. 2. (Institutionally) The specific business or location where such medicine is practiced.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound noun, typically treated as singular. While the core is healthcare, it implies a holistic, personal, and community-based model of medicine. Contrasts with 'hospital medicine' and 'specialist practice'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is used but 'GP surgery' or 'general practice' are more common in everyday speech. In the US, 'family practice' is the standard professional term for the specialty and its location. The physician is a 'family practitioner' (US) vs. a 'GP' or 'family doctor' (UK).
Connotations
US: Slightly more formal/professional designation for the specialty. UK: Can sound somewhat Americanised or specifically denote the formal medical specialty structure.
Frequency
High frequency in US professional and administrative contexts (insurance, healthcare). Moderate frequency in UK professional contexts; lower in everyday UK speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She works at/in [a family practice].He is setting up [his own family practice].The [family practice] on Main Street is accepting new patients.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly associated; it is itself a technical term)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to the setup, management, or purchase of a medical business: 'They invested in a thriving family practice.'
Academic
In medical education and research: 'The study compared outcomes across different models of family practice.'
Everyday
Discussing one's healthcare provider: 'I need to call my family practice to book a flu jab.'
Technical
In healthcare policy, insurance, and professional certification: 'The residency programme is accredited for family practice.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She is a family-practice doctor.
- The family-practice model is holistic.
American English
- He completed a family-practice residency.
- We discussed family-practice guidelines.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My doctor works at a family practice.
- The family practice near our house is very good with children.
- After her residency, she plans to join an established family practice in a suburban area.
- The shift towards value-based care is profoundly impacting the financial viability of small, independent family practices.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'practice' that treats the whole 'family'—from grandparents to newborns—providing a wide, familial scope of care.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL CARE IS A SUSTAINING FOUNDATION (like a family is a foundation). THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE IS A HOME (for healthcare).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'семейная практика', which is a calque and not a standard term. Use 'терапевтический кабинет', 'поликлиника' (for the institution) or 'общая врачебная практика' (for the field).
- Avoid confusing with 'family planning', which is 'планирование семьи'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I family practice medicine').
- Confusing 'practice' (noun, location/profession) with 'practise' (verb, BE spelling).
- Using it for a specialist like a dentist ('family dental practice' would be correct, but not just 'family practice').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is MOST specific to the US healthcare system when referring to a primary care doctor who treats all ages?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In broad terms, yes, especially in the UK. In the US, 'Family Practice' is a distinct board-certified specialty requiring a specific residency, while historically 'General Practice' was less formalised. The terms are often used interchangeably.
A family practice emphasizes continuous, long-term care with a personal doctor. A walk-in clinic (or urgent care centre) is for immediate, episodic problems without an ongoing relationship.
Yes, it can be a solo practice run by one physician, but it often refers to a group of several doctors and allied health professionals working together.
No. You 'practice medicine' or 'practice family medicine'. 'Family practice' is almost exclusively a noun phrase referring to the field or the business location.