Master confusing words with ease
Proscribe vs. Prescribe
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:
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:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Prescribe starts with pre, just like prevent – it's about suggesting or advising upfront.
- Proscribe starts with pro, but in this case, think of prohibit as they both mean to forbid.
- Remember, a doctor prescribes medication, but a law might proscribe certain actions.
- Imagine a doctor with a list of medications to prescribe for health, versus a regulators list of actions to proscribe' for protection.
- Prescribe relates to what you should do, while proscribe relates to what you shouldn't do.
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