prescription
C1Formal, Medical, Legal
Definition
Meaning
An instruction written by a medical professional authorizing a patient to be provided a medicine or treatment.
Any authoritative order, directive, or formula, especially one that is laid down as a rule to be followed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers to both the written document and the act of prescribing. Can be used metaphorically ('prescription for success').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, one 'collects' a prescription. In the US, one 'fills' a prescription. The concept is identical.
Connotations
Primarily medical in both, but UK usage slightly more common in formal advice contexts (e.g., 'government prescription').
Frequency
High and equivalent frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
prescription for [medicine/condition]prescription from [doctor]prescription by [authority]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A prescription for disaster/success.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A consultant offered a detailed prescription for restructuring the company.
Academic
The paper critiques the neoliberal prescription for economic development.
Everyday
I need to take this prescription to the chemist.
Technical
The ophthalmologist wrote a prescription for corrective lenses.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The GP will prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
American English
- The doctor prescribed a strong painkiller.
adverb
British English
- This drug is available prescription-only.
American English
- The medication is sold prescription-only.
adjective
British English
- Prescription drugs are tightly regulated.
- She needs prescription glasses.
American English
- You need a prescription medication for that.
- Prescription lenses are covered by my insurance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor gave me a prescription for my cough.
- I have to collect my prescription from the pharmacy this afternoon.
- The economist's prescription for the crisis involved radical tax reforms.
- The court's ruling acted as a prescription for how such cases should be handled in the future.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PRE-SCRIBE-tion: Something written (scribed) BEFORE (pre) you can get the medicine.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A PRESCRIBER (e.g., 'The government prescribed new measures').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from 'рецепт' for cooking recipes. 'Prescription' is only for medicine/authoritative rules. Cooking = 'recipe'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'prescription' (authoritative order) with 'description' (written account).
- Using 'prescription' for a cooking recipe.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of 'prescription' in a non-medical context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'prescription' is an authoritative order, mainly for medicine. A 'recipe' is a set of instructions for preparing food.
No, the verb form is 'prescribe'. 'Prescription' is only a noun.
In medical contexts, it is standard. In metaphorical use ('prescription for success'), it is formal.
A renewal of an existing medicine authorization without needing a new consultation, common in the UK.
Collections
Part of a collection
Health and Body
A2 · 48 words · Talking about health, illness and medical care.
Health and Wellness
B1 · 49 words · Physical and mental health vocabulary.
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