Prescribed
/prɪˈskraɪbd/
verbadjectiveB2past tense, past participle
Definition
Prescribed is the past form of the verb "prescribe," which means to give an official order or instruction, often by a doctor about medicine or treatment. It can also mean to set rules or limits by law or authority. When something is prescribed, it is recommended or required to be followed.
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See It in Action
Given as an official instruction, especially by a doctor for medicine or treatment
- •The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.
- •She was prescribed rest and plenty of water.
- •The medication was prescribed to be taken twice a day.
Set or fixed by authority as a rule or limit
- •The law prescribes the minimum age for driving.
- •The contract prescribed the work hours for employees.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "prescribed" like "told" but more official and important, especially from a doctor or rule-maker.
- ✓Picture a doctor writing a note that says what medicine to take and how much.
- ✓It's the feeling of trust when you follow a doctor's instructions to get better.
- ✓Sounds like "pre-SCRIBE-d" → Imagine someone writing (scribe) instructions before you start treatment.
- ✓Think of a prescription slip from a doctor’s office telling you exactly what to do.
- ✓NOT like "suggested" (which is a soft idea), "prescribed" is a strong, official order.
- ✓NOT like "allowed" (permission), "prescribed" means you must do it or follow it.
- ✓When a law is prescribed, it means the rules are fixed and you have to obey them.
Try Other Words
- •Ordered: given as a command or instruction (Use when the instruction is strong and must be followed)
- •Recommended: suggested as a good idea (Use when advice is softer, not required)
- •Directed: told to do something by someone in charge (Use in formal or official contexts)
- •Mandated: required by law or rule (Use when something is legally required)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "pre-" means before
- •Root: "scribe" means to write (from Latin "scribere")
- •Etymology: From Latin "praescribere" meaning to write before or to order in advance
- •Historical development: Originally meant writing instructions or rules before an action; now used for medical and legal orders
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for doctors' orders about medicine and legal or formal rules that must be followed
Reflect & Connect
•How does following prescribed instructions affect your health or safety?
•Can something be prescribed but still ignored? What happens then?
Fill in the blanks
1.The doctor prescribed ___ to help cure the illness quickly.
2.When a rule is prescribed by law, people are ___ to follow it.
3.Unlike a suggestion, a prescribed order must be ___ to avoid problems.
4.She was prescribed rest because her body needed ___ to heal.
5.The contract prescribed the ___ hours that employees must work every week.
6.If a medicine is not taken as prescribed, it might not ___ well.
7.Doctors usually prescribe medicine based on the ___ of the patient's condition.