medicine - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
medicine Word Meanings
- a substance used for the treatment of illness
- the science of diagnosing and treating diseases
- a remedy or treatment for ailments
medicine Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
medicine Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɛd.ɪ.sɪn/
US
/ˈmɛd.ɪ.sɪn/
medicine Word Etymology
med- (to heal) + -icine (related to) → Latin 'medicina' → Old French 'medecine' → English. Imagine a doctor holding a potion to heal and restore health, emphasizing healing.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands move to the medicine bottle, I set it on the counter and twist off the cap. I pull out a pill and feel its cool weight between my fingers. I swallow and notice how the moment of relief might change my day. I keep the bottle nearby, ready to turn again if needed.
Real Context
Medicine is a versatile English word with several related meanings. It can refer to a substance used to treat illness, such as a pill or syrup, and to the science and practice of diagnosing and treating diseases. In everyday speech, medicine also denotes the field that studies how health problems are prevented, detected, and managed. People take medicine to feel better, recover from infection, or manage chronic conditions. The word is often used with adjectives like modern, traditional, or over-the-counter, and it can describe both individual drugs and broad approaches to care. When talking about a remedy or treatment, medicine is broader than a single drug and can include therapies and preventive measures.
Usage Reminders
- Medicine can mean a drug or the field of health care.
- Think of medicine as both a substance and a discipline.
- Use 'a medicine' vs 'medicine' (the field) carefully.
- Common collocations include take medicine, medical science, and traditional medicine.
- Remedy is broader and less technical than medicine; 'drug' is a specific chemical.
- Be mindful of contexts like over-the-counter medicine and prescription medicine.
Common Misconceptions
- Medicine always means a pill or drug.
- Medicine and drugs are exactly the same in all senses.
- Medicine only refers to doctors and hospitals.
- Medicine cannot refer to preventive care or therapies beyond drugs.
- Medicine is never used to talk about alternatives like home remedies.
Thinking Differences
In English, medicine comfortably covers both drugs and the broader field of health care, which can be confusing for learners who translate literally. Emphasize context to decide whether medicine means a pill, the medical field, or a treatment approach.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three senses: drug, field, and remedy.
- Practice common collocations: take medicine, medical science, traditional medicine.
- Know the countability: 'a medicine' vs 'medicine' (the field).
- Compare with drug and remedy to notice nuance.
- Listen for context clues like prescription or OTC.
- Pronounce /ˈmɛdɪsɪn/ correctly and stress the first syllable.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'medicine'?
A.Chair
B.Happiness
C.Treatment
D.Fast
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'medicine' correctly?
A.He used a chair instead of medicine for his pain.
B.She took the wrong medicine for her headache.
C.The fast medicine caused her sickness.
D.Their happiness was like medicine for the soul.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'medicine'?
A.Book
B.Laugh
C.Therapy
D.Go
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'medicine'?
A.Food
B.Sleep
C.Poison
D.Run
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving 'medicine'?
A.The sunshine made her feel happy and energetic.
B.He relaxed by reading a book at the park.
C.She visited the pharmacy to pick up her medication.
D.They went for a run in the morning to start their day.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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