nurse - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
nurse Word Meanings
- the profession of caring for the sick
- to care for and educate children
- to promote the growth or development of something
nurse Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
nurse Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/nɜːs/
US
/nɜrs/
nurse Word Etymology
nurse = nourish (to feed, to care for). From Latin 'nutrire' → Old French 'neurice' → English. Imagine a nurturing figure tending to a sick child, providing warmth and care.
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
I lean in toward the patient, place a cool cloth on the brow, and push the curtain aside to let in a little light. I steady my hands, adjust the blanket, and grip the child's hand while speaking in a soft, reassuring tone. The room shifts with the rhythm of care as I turn to the chart and shape the next steps, letting the routine unfold through careful attention. The nurse's touch stretches beyond the bedside, guiding a sick body and a growing child with quiet strength that keeps hope moving.
Real Context
A nurse is a trained health professional who cares for sick or injured people and works closely with doctors to monitor symptoms, administer medications, and support recovery. Nurses also teach patients and families about treatment plans, self-care, and prevention. They can work in hospitals, clinics, communities, and home-care settings, often across multiple specialties such as pediatrics, emergency, or geriatrics. Beyond direct medical tasks, nurses advocate for patients’ comfort, safety, and rights, and they mentor new staff. As a verb, nurse can mean to care for gradually (nurse a drink, nurse a child) or to foster growth and development of something, like nursing a plant or a project toward a healthier state.
Usage Reminders
- Remember to ask what the nurse will monitor
- Ask about medications and possible side effects
- Confirm the treatment plan with the nurse
- Note any devices or tests mentioned by the nurse
- Practice pronunciation of nurse in hospital and home-care contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Nurses and doctors are the same profession
- Nurses only work in hospitals
- Nurses only care for patients, not families
- All nurses are female
- Nurse only means feeding a baby or cuddling a child
Thinking Differences
In English, nurse is both a job title and a verb with several everyday collocations (nurse a drink, nurse a patient). Learners often assume nurse only refers to hospital staff or that the verb requires a direct human object, which can lead to awkward sentences like 'nurse a plant' without context.
Learning Tips
- Learn common nurse-related collocations (nurse a drink, nurse a patient).
- Distinguish nouns and verbs by typical objects (nurse a patient vs nurse a plant).
- Listen to hospital dialogues to hear typical phrases.
- Read job descriptions to learn about roles and specialties.
- Practice short scenario sentences with a nurse context.
- Record yourself pronouncing nurse in different accents.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'nurse'?
A.A person who cares for sick or injured people
B.An adventurous traveler
C.A skilled musician
D.A professional athlete
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'nurse' used in a sentence?
A.The nurse administered medication to the patient
B.The nurse played the guitar at the concert
C.The nurse won a gold medal in the race
D.The nurse climbed Mount Everest
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'nurse'?
A.Chef
B.Teacher
C.Doctor
D.Firefighter
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'nurse'?
A.Sick
B.Healthy
C.Patient
D.Visitor
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find a nurse?
A.Wildlife sanctuary
B.Construction site
C.Hospital
D.Art museum
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