Drug vs Medicine
What’s the difference between them?
Drug
Meaning:
A drug is a substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.
Examples:
1. In the past few years, the use of drugs has become increasingly prevalent in our society.
2. Pharmaceutical companies are working hard to develop new and improved drugs.
3. The risks of taking drugs without a doctor's prescription outweigh any potential benefits.
Medicine
Meaning:
Medicine is the science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Examples:
1. My doctor prescribed me some medicine for my cold.
2. The medicine I take for my allergies makes me drowsy.
3. Native American tribes have used traditional medicine for centuries.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Drug
1. Medication
2. Pharmaceutical
3. Remedy
4. Substance
5. Elixir
6. Analgesic
7. Treatment
8. Dose
9. Cure
10. Prescription
1. Abstain
2. Refrain
3. Cleanse
4. Detox
5. Rejuvenate
6. Sobriety
7. Abjure
8. Oppose
9. Discourage
10. Reject
Medicine
1. Remedy
2. Pharmaceuticals
3. Pharmaceutical products
4. Healing agents
5. Therapeutics
6. Physic
1. Illness
2. Poison
3. Curse
4. Sickness
5. Unhealthy Habits
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Drug", "Medicine".
1. Drug and Medicine are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings.
2. Mnemonic Phrase: A drug is illegal, while medicine is a treatment.
3. Practical Tips: The word drug typically refers to any substance that is taken for its psychoactive effects.
4. Medicine, on the other hand, is a substance used to treat or prevent disease and can be prescribed or bought over the counter.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'drug' be used?
The word 'drug' is typically used when referring to a substance that can be used to treat, cure, or prevent a disease, or to alter the mental or physical state of the user. It can also refer to a substance that is illegal to possess or use.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'medicine'?
The word 'medicine' is typically used when referring to a substance that is used for therapeutic purposes, such as to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Drug' is pronounced as /drʌg/ and 'medicine' is pronounced as /ˈmed.ɪ.sən/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make when using these words is using the word 'medicine' when referring to a substance that is illegal to possess or use. Another mistake is using the word 'drug' when referring to a substance that is used to restore health or wellbeing.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Im going to the pharmacy to buy some ____________ for my headache.
2. Doctors always warn their patients about the dangers of taking too much ____________.
3. The ____________ was so expensive that I couldnt afford it.
4. My grandmother takes ____________ every day to treat her arthritis.
5. The ____________ is stored in a safe place in the hospital.
6. We conducted research into the effects of different ____________ on the human body.
1. Im going to the pharmacy to buy some medicine for my headache.
Explanation: Medicine is a general term that can refer to any substances used for healing and treating ailments.
2. Doctors always warn their patients about the dangers of taking too much drugs.
Explanation: Drug is a general term that is used to refer to any substances that alter mental states or have medical benefits.
3. The medicine was so expensive that I couldnt afford it.
Explanation: Medicine is a general term that is used to refer to any substances that alter mental states or have medical benefits.
4. My grandmother takes medicine every day to treat her arthritis.
Explanation: Medicine is a general term that can refer to any drugs or substances used for healing and treating ailments.
5. The medicine is stored in a safe place in the hospital.
Explanation: Medicine is a general term that can refer to any drugs or substances used for healing and treating ailments.
6. We conducted research into the effects of different drugs on the human body.
Explanation: Drug is a general term that is used to refer to any substances that alter mental states or have medical benefits.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.