therapeutic
Therapeutic (adj) means having a healing effect on the body or mind. Example: “Gardening can be a therapeutic way to relax after work.”
How to Use Therapeutic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHelping you feel better, physically or emotionally.
Word Forms
more therapeutic comparative, therapeutics plural, most therapeutic superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Gardening can be a _____ way to relax after work.
Etymology
From Greek therapeutikos ("attentive, curative"), from therapeuo ("I attend to, treat, cure").
Synonyms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “therapeutic” mean?
The word “therapeutic” means having a healing effect on the body or mind. In plain terms, helping you feel better, physically or emotionally.
How do you pronounce “therapeutic”?
“Therapeutic” is pronounced thehr-uh-PYOO-tihk (/ˌθɛɹ.əˈpju.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “therapeutic” in a sentence?
Here is “therapeutic” used in a sentence: “Gardening can be a therapeutic way to relax after work.”
What is another word for “therapeutic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “therapeutic” include therapeutical, curative and remedial.
What part of speech is “therapeutic”?
“Therapeutic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “therapeutic” come from?
The word “therapeutic” comes from Greek. From Greek therapeutikos ("attentive, curative"), from therapeuo ("I attend to, treat, cure").
Is “therapeutic” a common word?
“Therapeutic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “therapeutic” have?
“Therapeutic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a healing effect on the body or mind.
What is the difference between "therapeutic" and "medicinal"?
"Medicinal" usually refers specifically to substances, such as drugs or herbs, that treat or cure illness. "Therapeutic" is broader, covering anything with a healing effect on the body or mind, including activities, treatments, or environments, not just medicines.
Can "therapeutic" be used outside of medical contexts?
Yes, "therapeutic" is commonly used figuratively to describe non-medical activities that have a calming or healing effect on the mind, such as "gardening is therapeutic" or "a therapeutic walk." This extended use draws on the word's core sense of promoting wellbeing rather than strictly treating disease.
What is the difference between "therapeutic" and "curative"?
"Curative" specifically means capable of curing or eliminating an illness, while "therapeutic" more broadly describes anything that has a healing or beneficial effect, even if it does not fully cure a condition. A therapeutic activity may ease symptoms or improve wellbeing without curing the underlying problem.