noun

homeopathy

hoh-mee-OP-uh-thee

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Homeopathy (noun) means a system of treating illness with tiny amounts of substances that, in larger doses, would cause the same symptoms. Example: “She tried homeopathy for her hay fever before seeing a doctor.”

noun

pseudoscience A system of treating illness with tiny amounts of substances that, in larger doses, would cause the same symptoms.

"She tried homeopathy for her hay fever before seeing a doctor."

"The clinic offers homeopathy alongside other complementary treatments."

"He was sceptical about homeopathy and its lack of proven effect."

How to use homeopathy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is a form of treatment using highly diluted substances, based on the idea that like cures like.

When to use it

The word is often used in a critical or cautious tone, since it is widely regarded as a pseudoscience.

Memory tip

It can also be spelled homoeopathy, especially in older or British texts.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

practise homeopathy homeopathy clinic classical homeopathy turn to homeopathy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “homeopathy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She tried _____ for her hay fever before seeing a doctor.

Etymology

Homeopathy comes from the German word Homöopathie. In English it corresponds to homeo-, meaning similar, joined with -pathy, meaning suffering or treatment.

Origin: German

Antonyms

allopathy

Rhymes for homeopathy

Kathy Cathy apathy empathy sympathy telepathy cardiomyopathy

See all rhymes for homeopathy →

Frequently asked questions

What does homeopathy mean?

It is a system of treatment that uses tiny amounts of substances which, taken in larger amounts, would produce the same symptoms as the illness being treated.

Is homeopathy considered science?

It is generally classed as a pseudoscience rather than an evidence-based medical practice.

What is the opposite of homeopathy?

The opposite is allopathy, which treats symptoms with substances that produce different effects rather than similar ones.

What is the meaning of homeopathy?

"homeopathy" (noun) means a system of treating illness with tiny amounts of substances that, in larger doses, would cause the same symptoms.