noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

physician

fih-ZIHSHN

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Physician (noun) means a medical doctor, especially one who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery. Example: “The physician examined the patient carefully before deciding which treatment to recommend.”

noun

A medical doctor, especially one who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery.

"The physician examined the patient carefully before deciding which treatment to recommend."

"Her physician prescribed a course of antibiotics."

"He trained as a physician before specializing in cardiology."

"The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates promoted wine for various purposes, including reducing fevers and dressing wounds." — Jonathan Reiner, If you think that glass of wine is good for you, it’s time to reconsider (2022)

How to use physician

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA qualified doctor, especially one focused on diagnosis and medicine rather than operating.

Common mistake

In the US, "physician" often means any medical doctor; in the UK it more specifically means a specialist in internal medicine, as distinct from a surgeon.

UK vs US

UK usage tends to distinguish physicians (non-surgical specialists) from surgeons; US usage is broader.

Common pairings

see a physician primary care physician physician's assistant

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: physicians

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ examined the patient carefully before deciding which treatment to recommend.

Etymology

From Old French fisicien, from fisique ("the art of healing"), ultimately from Greek phusike ("knowledge of nature").

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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practitioner clinician GP MD healer internist doctor doc leech physic medic medician

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Rhymes for physician

Asian radian Fabian Indian Syrian simian median Italian Russian Persian Serbian Latvian

See all rhymes for physician →

Frequently asked questions

What does “physician” mean?

The word “physician” means a medical doctor, especially one who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery. In plain terms, a qualified doctor, especially one focused on diagnosis and medicine rather than operating.

How do you pronounce “physician”?

“Physician” is pronounced fih-ZIHSHN (/fəˈzɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “physician” in a sentence?

Here is “physician” used in a sentence: “Her physician prescribed a course of antibiotics.”

What is another word for “physician”?

Words with a similar meaning to “physician” include doctor, doc, leech, physic, medic and medician.

What part of speech is “physician”?

“Physician” is a noun.

Where does the word “physician” come from?

The word “physician” comes from Old French. From Old French fisicien, from fisique ("the art of healing"), ultimately from Greek phusike ("knowledge of nature").

Is “physician” a common word?

“Physician” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between a "physician" and a "surgeon"?

A "physician" is a medical doctor who treats illness mainly through diagnosis and medicine, while a "surgeon" treats conditions by performing operations. Both are qualified doctors, but they focus on different kinds of treatment.

What is the difference between a "physician" and a "doctor"?

"Doctor" is a broad term for anyone qualified to practise medicine, while "physician" more specifically means a doctor who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery. In American English, "physician" is also used formally for any medical doctor.

What is the difference between a "physician" and a "general practitioner"?

A "physician" is any doctor who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis, while a "general practitioner" (GP) is a physician who provides routine, first-contact care across a wide range of conditions. All GPs are physicians, but many physicians specialise in a single field.

Is "physician" more formal than "doctor"?

Yes, "physician" is the more formal and technical term, common in medical, academic, and official writing, while "doctor" is the everyday word most patients use. They often refer to the same person.

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