practitioner
prak-TIH-shuh-nuh
Practitioner (noun) means someone who actively works in a profession or skilled field, especially medicine or law. Example: “She has been a practitioner of family medicine for over twenty years.”
noun
1
Someone who actively works in a profession or skilled field, especially medicine or law.
"She has been a practitioner of family medicine for over twenty years."
"The clinic employs several practitioners of alternative therapies."
"A qualified medical practitioner must sign the form before it is accepted."
2
Someone who regularly carries out a particular activity or method.
"He is a longtime practitioner of meditation."
"She is a keen practitioner of yoga and practises every morning."
"Skilled practitioners of the craft can carve a figure from a single block of wood."
How to use practitioner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who actually does a job or activity, not just studies it — used a lot for doctors, lawyers, and therapists.
Common pairings
medical practitioner
general practitioner
legal practitioner
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Word forms
- Plural
- practitioners
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She has been a _____ of family medicine for over twenty years.
Etymology
From "practician," which came from French "practicien," ultimately from Greek "praktikos" ("fit for action") — the same root behind "practical" and "practice."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for practitioner
See all rhymes for practitioner →Frequently asked questions
What does “practitioner” mean?
The word “practitioner” means someone who actively works in a profession or skilled field, especially medicine or law. In plain terms, a person who actually does a job or activity, not just studies it — used a lot for doctors, lawyers, and therapists.
How do you pronounce “practitioner”?
“Practitioner” is pronounced prak-TIH-shuh-nuh (/pɹækˈtɪʃənəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “practitioner” in a sentence?
Here is “practitioner” used in a sentence: “She has been a practitioner of family medicine for over twenty years.”
What part of speech is “practitioner”?
“Practitioner” is a noun.
Where does the word “practitioner” come from?
The word “practitioner” comes from French. From "practician," which came from French "practicien," ultimately from Greek "praktikos" ("fit for action") — the same root behind "practical" and "practice.".
Is “practitioner” a common word?
“Practitioner” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “practitioner” have?
“Practitioner” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who actively works in a profession or skilled field, especially medicine or law.
What is the difference between a practitioner and a general practitioner (GP)?
A practitioner is anyone who actively works in a profession or skilled field, especially medicine or law, or who regularly carries out a particular activity or method. A general practitioner, or GP, is a specific type of medical practitioner who treats a broad range of everyday health issues rather than specializing in one area.
Is practitioner a formal word?
Yes, practitioner has a fairly formal register and is most often used in professional, medical, and legal contexts rather than everyday conversation. People are more likely to say 'doctor' or 'lawyer' informally and reserve 'practitioner' for official titles or written descriptions.
Can practitioner refer to fields outside medicine and law?
Yes, practitioner is a general term for anyone who regularly carries out a particular activity or method, not just doctors and lawyers. It is commonly applied to fields like alternative therapies, martial arts, and other skilled practices.
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