Doctor-Physician | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Doctor vs. Physician

Doctor

/ˈdɒktə/
A person who is qualified to treat people who are ill or hurt; also, someone holding the highest university degree

Examples:

She was treated by her local doctor.Doctors near doctors."Oh, Doctor Keene!" The doctor heard him, and turned around.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Physician

/fəˈzɪʃən/
A person who is trained and licensed to treat sick and injured people, especially one who practices medicine as a job

Examples:

The exasperated physician shouted: "Hold your peace!He adopted the bedside manner of a family physician."You must not worry," the head physician said.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • The term doctor can refer to someone with a PhD, not just a medical professional, while physician specifically refers to someone who is a medical professional.
  • Physician is a more formal term for a doctor who practices medicine and often implies a higher level of specialization.
  • If youre talking about a medical doctor, physician' is usually the more precise term to use.
  • In informal settings, people are more likely to just say doctor when discussing medical professionals.
  • Doctor can also refer to dentists, veterinarians, and other healthcare practitioners, but physician is specifically for someone who practices medicine.
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