hippocrates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/historical reference)Formal/Academic/Medical
Quick answer
What does “hippocrates” mean?
A proper noun referring to the ancient Greek physician (c.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the ancient Greek physician (c.460–c.377 BC), traditionally regarded as the father of medicine.
The name is used metonymically to represent the ethical practice of medicine, often through the term 'Hippocratic Oath,' or to denote classical, holistic medical wisdom.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical connotations of historical authority and medical ethics.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “hippocrates” in a Sentence
Hippocrates + verb (e.g., Hippocrates believed...)adjective + Hippocrates (e.g., the great Hippocrates)the + works/writings/teachings + of + HippocratesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hippocrates” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Hippocratic medicine focused on balance.
American English
- Hippocratic medicine focused on balance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history of medicine, classics, medical ethics courses.
Everyday
Rarely used; might appear in general knowledge discussions or documentaries.
Technical
Used in medical education, particularly when discussing medical history or ethics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hippocrates”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hippocrates”
- Misspelling as 'Hippocrites' (confusion with 'hypocrite').
- Using lowercase 'h'.
- Incorrect pluralization (it is a singular proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun used mainly in academic, historical, or medical contexts.
It is an ancient Greek ethical text outlining the duties of a physician, traditionally attributed to Hippocrates and his school.
Yes, the adjectival form is 'Hippocratic' (e.g., Hippocratic principles, the Hippocratic Oath).
In British English: /hɪˈpɒkrətiːz/. In American English: /hɪˈpɑːkrətiːz/. The stress is on the second syllable.
A proper noun referring to the ancient Greek physician (c.
Hippocrates is usually formal/academic/medical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the Hippocratic Oath (to swear to uphold medical ethics).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIPpoCRATES CURES: Imagine a hippopotamus (HIPpo) dressed as an ancient Greek doctor (CRATES of medical tools) healing people.
Conceptual Metaphor
Hippocrates is the FOUNDATION/ORIGIN of Western medicine (e.g., 'It all goes back to Hippocrates').
Practice
Quiz
Hippocrates is most famously associated with: