Master confusing words with ease
Prescribe vs. Proscribe
Prescribe
/prɪˈskraɪb/Examples:
The doctor prescribed suralimentation for Father Kleinsorge.A warm climate may be prescribed for her.The law prescribes strict penalties for violations.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Proscribe
/prəʊˈskraɪb/Examples:
The government may proscribe certain movements.It's unjust to proscribe people's freedom of speech.Some ancient cultures would proscribe the use of specific herbs.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- To remember the difference, link prescribe with the p in physician who gives prescriptions.
- Associate proscribe with the prohibition, as it sounds similar and is about banning.
- Prescribing is often a positive action (providing advice or medicine), whereas proscribing is negative (restricting or forbidding something).
- Think of a prescription pad for prescribe and a stop sign for proscribe.
- Remember that doctors prescribe and authorities often proscribe undesirable actions or objects.
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