prescribe

What does “prescribe” mean?

verb.(of a medical practitioner) to advise and authorize the use of (a medicine or treatment) for someone, especially in writing.

SAT Usage

this term is commonly found in passages related to healthcare, medicine, or ethics. It emphasizes the authority and responsibility of medical professionals in making treatment decisions, distinguishing it from similar terms like "recommend," which lacks the formal and legal weight of a written directive.

Common Confusions

Prescribe implies a formal authorization for specific treatment by a medical professional, while recommend usually suggests a more general suggestion without the official mandate or legal implications.

Example Sentences

• The physician prescribed a strict regimen of rest and limited activity.

• The property meets the criteria prescribed by the regulations.

• The doctor decided to prescribe a new medication that would not only alleviate her symptoms but also improve her overall quality of life as she battled chronic pain.

Word Parts: How to Remember “prescribe”

Break “prescribe” into its parts: pre- (before) + -scrib- (write). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: pre- before (Latin)
• Root: -scrib- write (Latin)