How Do You Spell DOCTOR?

Pronunciation: [dˈɒktə] (IPA)

The word "doctor" is spelled with six letters in English, but the pronunciation is more complex than it appears. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), we can transcribe it as /ˈdɒktər/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced as "dahk", with a short "o" sound. The second syllable is "-ter", with a schwa sound, similar to the "uh" sound. The consonants are pronounced as "d" and "t" because of a phenomenon known as fortition, where weaker sounds become stronger in certain positions.

DOCTOR Meaning and Definition

  1. A doctor is a highly skilled and trained medical practitioner who provides diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and medical care to individuals suffering from diseases, illnesses, injuries, and various health conditions. These professionals possess advanced knowledge of the human body, its functions, and the processes that occur within it.

    Doctors typically earn a medical degree after completing extensive education and training in medical schools, where they learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and various medical specialties. They undergo rigorous practical training in hospitals and clinics, gaining hands-on experience in treating patients under the guidance of experienced doctors.

    As healthcare experts, doctors play a crucial role in maintaining and restoring the health and well-being of their patients. They conduct comprehensive evaluations and physical examinations to diagnose illnesses or conditions and devise appropriate treatment plans. Doctors may prescribe medicines, perform surgical procedures, interpret medical test results, administer vaccinations, offer advice on preventive care measures, and provide critical medical advice to their patients.

    In addition to treating physical ailments, doctors also address the mental and emotional needs of their patients, recognizing the important role of mental health in overall well-being. Many doctors specialize in specific branches of medicine, such as pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, psychiatry, or surgery, further enhancing their expertise in those areas.

    Overall, doctors are regarded as trusted medical professionals who possess the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for patients through their comprehensive medical care.

  2. 1. A title conferred by a university on one who has followed a prescribed course of study, or given as a mark of distinction; as doctor of medicine, doctor of laws, etc. 2. A physician, especially one upon whom has been conferred the degree of M.D. by a university or medical school. 3. To treat medically.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Shortened into Dr; the highest degree conferred by a university in divinity, law, medicine, music, or science; one who practises medicine; a physician; a learned man.
    • Colloquially, to apply medicine for the cure of diseases; to adulterate; doctor's commons, the place where the doctors of the civil law used to live and eat in common-now, the official residences and offices of the judges of various courts, as the Court of Arches, the Admiralty, &c.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DOCTOR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DOCTOR

Etymology of DOCTOR

The word "doctor" originates from the Latin word "doctor" which means "teacher" or "instructor". It comes from the verb "docere" meaning "to teach". In the Middle Ages, it started to be specifically used to refer to individuals who had acquired a high level of knowledge and expertise in a particular field, such as medicine. From there, it evolved into the modern-day usage of "doctor" as a title for physicians or medical practitioners.

Idioms with the word DOCTOR

  • an apple a day keeps the doctor away The idiom "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" means that by eating nutritious and healthy foods, like apples, regularly, one can prevent or reduce the risk of illnesses and therefore avoid needing to consult a doctor. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.
  • a spin doctor The idiom "a spin doctor" refers to a person, typically a political or public relations professional, who skillfully presents information or events in a biased or favorable light to manipulate public perception. They are adept at shaping the narrative or "spinning" stories to suit their own agenda or the interests of their clients.
  • spin doctor The idiom "spin doctor" refers to a person, typically in the field of public relations or politics, who is skilled at crafting and presenting information in a way that influences public perception or opinion in favor of a particular individual, organization, or agenda. Such individuals are adept at "spinning" facts or events to create a favorable narrative or to minimize negative aspects.
  • Doctor Livingstone, I presume? The idiom "Doctor Livingstone, I presume?" refers to a historical moment that took place in 1871 when journalist Henry Morton Stanley encountered explorer Dr. David Livingstone in Africa. It is used humorously or sarcastically to describe situations where a person states the obvious or states something that is already well-known. The phrase has become a symbol of recognizing someone who is already known or expected to be present in a particular situation.
  • doctor sm up The idiom "doctor someone up" is typically used to describe the act of providing basic medical treatment or care to someone who is injured or unwell, especially in a makeshift or improvised manner. It can also refer to making something appear better or more presentable by improvising or using available resources.
  • doctor up The idiom "doctor up" means to improve or alter something, typically by making adjustments or repairs, often in a makeshift or temporary manner. It suggests taking measures to fix or enhance something, particularly when done in a resourceful or skillful way, though not necessarily through official or conventional means.
  • doctor someone up The idiom "doctor someone up" is used to describe the act of making adjustments or providing treatment to something or someone in order to improve or fix their condition, often in a makeshift or temporary manner. It can refer to physical objects, situations, or even people's well-being.
  • go for the doctor The idiom "go for the doctor" refers to urgently seeking medical assistance or calling for a doctor's involvement in a particular situation, typically when someone is seriously ill or injured. It emphasizes the need for immediate medical attention.
  • horse doctor The idiom "horse doctor" is used to refer to a veterinarian who specializes in treating horses. It is often used humorously or dismissively to describe someone who is not qualified or experienced in a particular field but claims to be.
  • You’re the doctor The idiom "You're the doctor" is often used figuratively to acknowledge someone as an expert or authority on a particular subject or situation. It means that the person addressed is believed to have the knowledge and expertise to handle or solve a problem.
  • zit doctor The idiom "zit doctor" refers to someone who is skilled or experienced at treating or dealing with acne or pimples on the skin. It is often used humorously to describe someone who claims to be an expert in a specific field or task that is relatively trivial or insignificant.
  • be just what the doctor ordered The idiom "be just what the doctor ordered" means that something is exactly what is needed or will bring about a positive outcome or improvement in a situation. It usually refers to a solution, remedy, or action that is perfectly suited to address a specific need or problem.
  • just what the doctor ordered The idiom "just what the doctor ordered" means something that is exactly what is needed or very beneficial. It refers to a situation, thing, or event that comes at the perfect time to bring relief or improvement.
  • You're the doctor. The idiom "You're the doctor" is typically used to express the idea that someone else is more knowledgeable or experienced in a certain field or situation, and therefore, their opinion or decision should be trusted or followed without question. It implies that the person being referred to has expertise or authority in a specific domain, just like a doctor would in the medical field.
  • dome-doctor
  • doctor's orders Doctor's orders refer to a recommendation or instruction given by a medical professional, typically a doctor, for the purpose of improving one's health or treating a medical condition. It is often used humorously or figuratively to emphasize the importance or authority of following a particular directive.
  • couch-doctor A "couch-doctor" is a slang term used to describe someone who gives advice or opinions about psychological or emotional issues without formal training or qualifications in psychology or counseling. This term implies that the person is acting as a therapist or counselor from their own experience or perspective rather than from professional expertise.
  • doctor's orders sth This idiom refers to following the advice or instructions given by a doctor, typically in relation to one's health or medical treatment. It implies that the doctor's guidance is important or necessary for the person's well-being.
  • doctor's orders something The idiom "doctor's orders something" means to follow the instructions or advice given by a doctor, often relating to a specific course of treatment or behavior that is recommended for a person's health.

Similar spelling words for DOCTOR

Plural form of DOCTOR is DOCTORS

Conjugate verb Doctor

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have doctored
you would have doctored
he/she/it would have doctored
we would have doctored
they would have doctored
I would have doctor
you would have doctor
he/she/it would have doctor
we would have doctor
they would have doctor

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been doctoring
you would have been doctoring
he/she/it would have been doctoring
we would have been doctoring
they would have been doctoring

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would doctor
you would doctor
he/she/it would doctor
we would doctor
they would doctor

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be doctoring
you would be doctoring
he/she/it would be doctoring
we would be doctoring
they would be doctoring

FUTURE

I will doctor
you will doctor
he/she/it will doctor
we will doctor
they will doctor

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be doctoring
you will be doctoring
he/she/it will be doctoring
we will be doctoring
they will be doctoring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have doctored
you will have doctored
he/she/it will have doctored
we will have doctored
they will have doctored

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been doctoring
you will have been doctoring
he/she/it will have been doctoring
we will have been doctoring
they will have been doctoring

IMPERATIVE

you doctor
we let´s doctor

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to doctor

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was doctoring
you were doctoring
he/she/it was doctoring
we were doctoring
they were doctoring

PAST PARTICIPLE

doctored

PAST PERFECT

I had doctored
you had doctored
he/she/it had doctored
we had doctored
they had doctored

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been doctoring
you had been doctoring
he/she/it had been doctoring
we had been doctoring
they had been doctoring

PRESENT

I doctor
you doctor
he/she/it doctors
we doctor
they doctor

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am doctoring
you are doctoring
he/she/it is doctoring
we are doctoring
they are doctoring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

doctoring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have doctored
you have doctored
he/she/it has doctored
we have doctored
they have doctored

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been doctoring
you have been doctoring
he/she/it has been doctoring
we have been doctoring
they have been doctoring

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it doctor

SIMPLE PAST

I doctored
you doctored
he/she/it doctored
we doctored
they doctored

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