C1verb formal 5K

Prescribe

🇬🇧 UK /["/prɪˈskraɪb/","/prɪˈskraɪbz/","/prɪˈskraɪbd/","/prɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/prɪˈskraɪb/","/prɪˈskraɪbz/","/prɪˈskraɪbd/","/prɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Prescribe

to tell somebody to take a particular medicine or have a particular treatment; to write a prescription for a particular medicine, etc.

In simple words: To tell someone they need to take a medicine.

Prescribe in a sentence

• Valium is usually prescribed to treat anxiety.
• He may be able to prescribe you something for that cough.
• The drug can no longer be legally prescribed.
• These drugs are widely prescribed to control high blood pressure.
• This drug is often prescribed for women with heart trouble.
• The prescribed form must be completed and returned to this office.
• Police regulations prescribe that an officer's number must be clearly visible.
• The syllabus prescribes precisely which books should be studied.
• The curriculum is rigidly prescribed from an early age.
• culturally prescribed gender roles

How to use Prescribe

Use 'prescribe' in medical contexts when a doctor recommends treatment. Avoid using it in casual settings or non-medical conversations.

Grammar pattern

prescribe + object (usually medicine)

Memory hint

Imagine a doctor writing a 'prescription' for medicine.

Related words

Collocations with Prescribe

• legally
• commonly
• frequently
• as
• for
• to
• narrowly
• rigidly
• strictly
• culturally prescribed
• socially prescribed

Synonyms for Prescribe

• stipulate

Opposites of Prescribe

• proscribe
• forbid

Common mistakes with Prescribe

• Confused with 'proscribe', which means to forbid.
• Using 'prescribe' for non-medical advice (e.g., lifestyle changes).
• Incorrectly using it with subjects; 'The doctor prescribes' not 'The doctor prescribe.'

Frequently asked questions about Prescribe

What does Prescribe mean?

To tell someone they need to take a medicine.

What is the definition of Prescribe?

to tell somebody to take a particular medicine or have a particular treatment; to write a prescription for a particular medicine, etc.

How do you use Prescribe in a sentence?

Valium is usually prescribed to treat anxiety.

Can you give another example of Prescribe?

He may be able to prescribe you something for that cough.

What are synonyms for Prescribe?

Common alternatives include stipulate.

What is the opposite of Prescribe?

Opposite meanings include proscribe, forbid.

What words go with Prescribe?

It commonly pairs with legally, commonly, frequently, as, for, to, narrowly, rigidly, strictly, culturally prescribed, socially prescribed.

What are common mistakes when using Prescribe?

Confused with 'proscribe', which means to forbid. Using 'prescribe' for non-medical advice (e.g., lifestyle changes). Incorrectly using it with subjects; 'The doctor prescribes' not 'The doctor prescribe.'

How do you pronounce Prescribe?

US: /["/prɪˈskraɪb/","/prɪˈskraɪbz/","/prɪˈskraɪbd/","/prɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/prɪˈskraɪb/","/prɪˈskraɪbz/","/prɪˈskraɪbd/","/prɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Prescribe formal or informal?

"Prescribe" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Prescribe?

Use 'prescribe' in medical contexts when a doctor recommends treatment. Avoid using it in casual settings or non-medical conversations.

What CEFR level is Prescribe?

"Prescribe" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.