English vocabulary · B2
Prescribe
/prɪˈskraɪb/ · v.
It means to officially say what someone must do or take, especially in medicine or law.
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Example sentences
- The doctor prescribed two weeks of rest.
- The law prescribes a fine for this action.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pre — before (from Latin)
- scribe — write (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- ORDER — tell someone what to do (General & Direct)
- DIRECT — give official instructions (Formal & Instructive)
- MANDATE — officially require by law (Legal & Binding)
Words with the same root
scribe — write
- describe — tell what something is like
- script — written words for speaking
- manuscript — original written document
Lesson notes
Prescribe. It means to officially say what someone must do or take, especially in medicine or law.
Similar words are order, direct, and mandate. Use prescribe when a doctor or authority writes down an official instruction.
The doctor prescribed two weeks of rest. The law prescribes a fine for this action.
From Latin. Pre- means before. Scribe- means write. Writing down what must be done before it happens — that is to prescribe.