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English Vocabulary: PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE
The words PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE are easily confused. This video clearly explains the difference between PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE through clear definitions and explanations and 9 illustrated sentence examples.
After clearly defining prescribe and proscribe and looking at the illustrated examples, a short test is provided with new sample sentences in which the reader needs to insert either prescribe or proscribe. You will find this test really helps you to be sure in the future whenever, in English conversation, you have to use the words prescribe or proscribe.
Here is a transcript of the video: PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE – What's the Difference?
Slide 2:
Both words have the Latin root 'scrib' meaning write.
The prefix PRE- means before
The prefix PRO- means forward, forth
Prescribe literally means to write at the top, or to state in advance
Proscribe literally means to write publicly, for example, to publish the name of a condemned person
Slide 3:
Actually, the words are almost opposite in meaning.
Definition Of Prescribe: to lay down a rule, often in writing, to recommend a course of action
Definition Of Proscribe: to prohibit, condemn, forbid
Let's look at some examples.
First, PRESCRIBE . . .
Slide 4:
The picture shows a doctor with a patient.
The sentence reads: What did the doctor prescribe?
Slide 5:
The picture shows a girl with a mobile phone.
The sentence reads: When parents give their child a mobile phone, they often prescribe a set of rules.
Slide 6:
Now let's see some examples of PROSCRIBE . . .
Slide 7:
The picture shows a local government representative in a meeting.
The sentence reads: Legislation in many countries authorizes the government to proscribe terrorist organizations.
Slide 8:
The picture shows a book display at a library.
The sentence reads: Often, when a book is proscribed, it becomes a best seller!
Slide 9:
Now test yourself!
Fill in the blanks . . .
Slide 10:
The picture shows a mosque with a lot of shoes and sandals outside.
The sentence reads: Wearing shoes or sandals inside a mosque is strictly __.
Slide 11:
Answer: proscribed
Slide 12:
The picture shows prescription drugs on a table.
The sentence reads: Some people are of the opinion that doctors __ antibiotics too easily!
Slide 13:
Answer: prescribe
Slide 14:
The picture shows team members during a brainstorming session.
The sentence reads: In this brainstorming session, the team let their imaginations run wild! There was no __ way of doing things.
Slide 15:
Answer: prescribed or proscribed
(Note: Both words fit. There was no recommended or prescribed way and no forbidden or proscribed way)
Slide 16:
The picture shows students in an exam room.
The sentence reads: The use of cell phones was __ during this maths exam.
Slide 17:
Answer: proscribed
Slide 18:
The picture shows a circular fire in forest.
The sentence reads: A "__ fire" is a planned fire which is controlled to help prevent wild fires.
Slide 19:
Answer: prescribed
Slide 20:
So Remember The Difference Between PRESCRIBE and PROSCRIBE
Prescribe involves recommending a course of action, often in writing, or laying down rules
Proscribe has the idea of forbidding, or prohibiting something
Slide 21:
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Image Credits:
Slide 4 – doctor
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Slide 5 - mobile phone
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Slide 7 – terrorism
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Slide 8 – books
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Slides 10 & 11 – mosque
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Slides 12 & 13 – antibiotics
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Slides 14 & 15 – brainstorming
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Slides 16 & 17 maths exam
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Slides 1,18 & 19 – fire
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