Dictionary
English - Dutch

Doctor

ˈdɑktər
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

arts, dokter, doctor (academic title)

Doctor meanings in Dutch

arts

Example:
I need to see a doctor about my headache.
Ik moet een arts zien voor mijn hoofdpijn.
The doctor prescribed some medication.
De arts schreef wat medicijnen voor.
Usage: formalContext: Medical settings, healthcare discussions.
Note: The word 'arts' refers specifically to a medical doctor who practices medicine. It's commonly used in both spoken and written Dutch.

dokter

Example:
The doctor will be here soon.
De dokter zal er snel zijn.
My doctor is very caring.
Mijn dokter is heel zorgzaam.
Usage: informalContext: Casual conversations about health or personal experiences.
Note: The term 'dokter' is more informal and is often used in everyday conversations. It can refer to a physician in a more relaxed context.

doctor (academic title)

Example:
She is a doctor of philosophy.
Zij is doctor in de filosofie.
He received his doctorate last year.
Hij heeft vorig jaar zijn doctoraat behaald.
Usage: formalContext: Academic or professional settings, discussions about qualifications.
Note: In Dutch, 'doctor' can also refer to someone who holds a doctorate degree (PhD). The context usually makes it clear whether it refers to a medical professional or an academic title.

Doctor's synonyms

physician

A physician is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries.
Example: The physician prescribed medication for the patient's illness.
Note: Physician is a more formal term than doctor and is often used in medical contexts.

surgeon

A surgeon is a doctor who specializes in performing surgical procedures.
Example: The surgeon performed a successful operation on the patient's heart.
Note: A surgeon focuses specifically on surgical interventions, while a doctor may have a broader medical practice.

practitioner

A practitioner is a person who practices a profession or art, often used to refer to healthcare providers.
Example: The holistic practitioner recommended acupuncture for pain relief.
Note: Practitioner is a more general term that can encompass various healthcare professions beyond medical doctors.

clinician

A clinician is a healthcare professional who works directly with patients to assess, diagnose, and treat medical conditions.
Example: The clinician conducted a thorough assessment of the patient's mental health.
Note: Clinician often refers to healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care and may include doctors as well as other specialized healthcare providers.

Doctor expressions, common phrases

A pill-pusher

This phrase is informal and slightly derogatory, referring to a doctor who excessively prescribes medication without considering other options or the patient's needs.
Example: I'm tired of going to doctors who are just pill-pushers and don't listen to my concerns.
Note: The term 'pill-pusher' is more colloquial and has a negative connotation compared to 'doctor'.

Doctor's orders

This phrase implies that the doctor has given specific instructions or recommendations that must be followed.
Example: I have to rest for a week, it's doctor's orders after my surgery.
Note: It emphasizes the authoritative nature of the medical advice given by a doctor.

A quack

A quack is a person who pretends to be a doctor or who promotes ineffective or fake medical treatments.
Example: Be careful with that new 'miracle' treatment, it might be a scam from a quack.
Note: This term is pejorative and implies deceit or incompetence, unlike the neutral term 'doctor'.

House call

A house call is when a doctor visits a patient at their home for medical treatment or consultation.
Example: My doctor made a house call when I was too sick to go to the clinic.
Note: This phrase refers to a specific type of medical service, different from a regular visit to the doctor's office.

A bedside manner

Bedside manner refers to a doctor's approach and demeanor in interacting with patients, showing empathy, compassion, and good communication skills.
Example: She is a great doctor with a wonderful bedside manner, always making patients feel comfortable.
Note: It focuses on the interpersonal skills and emotional support provided by a doctor, distinct from their medical expertise.

Play doctor

To 'play doctor' means to role-play medical scenarios, often in a childlike or innocent manner.
Example: As children, we used to play doctor and pretend to give each other check-ups.
Note: This phrase is playful and imaginative, contrasting with the serious and professional role of a real doctor.

Call in sick

To 'call in sick' means to inform one's employer that you are too unwell to come to work due to illness.
Example: I had to call in sick today because of my flu symptoms.
Note: While a doctor can give a sick note, this phrase is about notifying an employer rather than seeking medical treatment.

Doctor everyday (slang) expressions

Doc

A common abbreviation for 'doctor'. It is informal and commonly used in casual conversations.
Example: I'm feeling really sick, I should go see the doc.
Note: Less formal and shorter than 'doctor'.

Medico

A slang term derived from 'medical professional' or 'medic'. It is used informally to refer to a doctor.
Example: The medico said I need to rest for a few days.
Note: Slang term that sounds more casual and friendly compared to 'doctor'.

Shrink

A colloquial term for a psychiatrist or psychologist. It is often used informally to refer to a mental health professional.
Example: I've been seeing a shrink to work through some issues.
Note: Specifically used to refer to mental health professionals, unlike 'doctor' which is a more general term.

Sawbones

An old-fashioned slang term for a doctor, especially a surgeon.
Example: The sawbones fixed up my broken arm in no time.
Note: An outdated and informal term for 'doctor', not commonly used in modern language.

Quack

A derogatory term used to describe a fake or incompetent doctor, often someone practicing alternative medicine without proper qualifications.
Example: I wouldn't trust that quack with my health; they seem unreliable.
Note: Negative connotation implying deceit or lack of skill, unlike 'doctor' which is a neutral term.

Doctor - Examples

The doctor prescribed me some medication for my cold.
De dokter heeft me wat medicijnen voorgeschreven voor mijn verkoudheid.
My sister wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
Mijn zus wil dokter worden als ze groot is.
The doctor examined the patient thoroughly before making a diagnosis.
De dokter heeft de patiënt grondig onderzocht voordat hij een diagnose stelde.

Doctor grammar

Doctor - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: doctor
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): doctors
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): doctor
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): doctored
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): doctoring
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): doctors
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): doctor
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): doctor
Syllables, Separation and Stress
doctor Contains 2 syllables: doc • tor
Phonetic transcription: ˈdäk-tər
doc tor , ˈdäk tər (The red syllable is stressed)

Doctor - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
doctor: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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