Proscribe vs Prescribe
What’s the difference between them?
Proscribe
Meaning:
To forbid or prohibit (something); to outlaw.
Examples:
1. The school has proscribed the use of mobile phones in class.
2. The government proscribed certain behaviors during the pandemic.
3. Smoking is proscribed in all public places in my country.
Prescribe
Meaning:
To prescribe means to officially suggest or order a treatment, such as a medicine, for a medical condition.
Examples:
1. The doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics for the infection.
2. The teacher prescribed reading a chapter of the book each night.
3. The nutritionist prescribed a healthy eating plan for the patient.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Proscribe
1. Ban
2. Forbid
3. Prohibit
4. Bar
5. Preclude
1. Allow
2. Permit
3. Endorse
4. Sanction
5. Give Approval To
Prescribe
1. Enjoin
2. Prescribe medication
3. Recommend
4. Mandate
5. Order
1. Discourage
2. Prohibit
3. Revoke
4. Abstain
5. Disallow
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Proscribe", "Prescribe".
1. Proscribe means to forbid or prohibit something.
2. Prescribe means to advise or recommend something.
3. Associate proscribe with 'prohibition' and prescribe with 'prescription.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'proscribe' be used?
Proscribe is a verb meaning to forbid or prohibit something, and is most commonly used in legal or official contexts. For example, a government could proscribe a certain type of behavior or activity that is illegal or against the law.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'prescribe'?
Prescribe is also a verb, but it has a different meaning. It is typically used in a medical or healthcare context, and means to advise or recommend a treatment or course of action. For example, a doctor might prescribe a certain medication to a patient for a particular condition.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words have different pronunciations. Proscribe is pronounced with a long 'o' sound, as in 'pro-scribe', while prescribe is pronounced with a short 'e' sound, as in 'pre-scribe'.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
The most common mistake is using the wrong word in the wrong context. People often confuse proscribe with prescribe, thinking they have the same meaning. It is important to understand the difference in order to use these words correctly. Additionally, people may not pay attention to the different pronunciation of the two words and accidentally use the wrong one.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Doctors ___ medications to treat their patients illnesses.
2. Certain activities are ___d by law in some countries.
3. It is important for medical professionals to understand which drugs are ___d and which are not.
4. A dietitian may ___ certain foods for their clients to help them reach their health goals.
5. The government ___d the use of a certain chemical in the production of food products.
6. The schools dress code ___s what type of clothing is appropriate to wear.
1. Prescribe
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap would be prescribe as it is the action of giving a medical professionals written instructions for the use of a drug, treatment or therapy.
2. Proscribed
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap would be proscribed as it means to forbid or outlaw something by authority or law.
3. Prescribed
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap would be prescribed as it is the action of giving a medical professionals written instructions for the use of a drug, treatment or therapy.
4. Prescribe
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap would be prescribe as it is the action of giving directions or advice regarding diet or nutrition.
5. Proscribed
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap would be proscribed as it means to forbid or outlaw something by authority or law.
6. Proscribes
Explanation: The correct word to fill the gap would be proscribes as it means to lay down or specify rules or regulations; to define what is or is not permissible.
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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.