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UK//pləˈsiːbəʊ//US//pləˈsiːboʊ//

Meaning of Placebo

A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs.

In simple words: A fake treatment that looks real but has no active effect.

Placebo in a sentence

  • The doctor prescribed a placebo to the patients in the study.
  • The placebo helped some patients feel better, even though it contained no medication.
  • Many clinical trials use a placebo to test efficacy.
  • The placebo effect can sometimes lead to real improvements in health.

How to use Placebo

Commonly used in medical contexts during clinical trials or discussions about treatment efficacy. Less formal in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'play-sebo' - imagine playing with a toy that looks like a real medicine.

Related words

Collocations with Placebo

  • placebo effect
  • placebo group
  • placebo-controlled trial

Synonyms for Placebo

  • dummy
  • sugar pill
  • inactive treatment
  • sham
  • counterfeit

Common mistakes with Placebo

  • Confusing with 'placebo effect' - they are not the same.
  • Using it improperly in non-medical contexts.
  • Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'c' sound.

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Frequently asked questions about Placebo

What does Placebo mean?

A fake treatment that looks real but has no active effect.

What is the definition of Placebo?

A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs.

How do you use Placebo in a sentence?

The doctor prescribed a placebo to the patients in the study.

Can you give another example of Placebo?

The placebo helped some patients feel better, even though it contained no medication.

What are synonyms for Placebo?

Common alternatives include dummy, sugar pill, inactive treatment, sham, counterfeit.

What words go with Placebo?

It commonly pairs with placebo effect, placebo group, placebo-controlled trial.

What are common mistakes when using Placebo?

Confusing with 'placebo effect' - they are not the same. Using it improperly in non-medical contexts. Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'c' sound.

How do you pronounce Placebo?

US: //pləˈsiːboʊ//, UK: //pləˈsiːbəʊ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Placebo?

Commonly used in medical contexts during clinical trials or discussions about treatment efficacy. Less formal in everyday conversation.