What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
doctor
Example
The doctor prescribed medication for my cold. [doctor: noun]
Example
She is studying to become a doctor and hopes to work in a hospital. [doctor: noun]
physician
Example
The physician recommended surgery to treat the patient's condition. [physician: noun]
Example
He is a highly skilled physician who has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. [physician: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Doctor is a more commonly used term than physician in everyday language. It is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, including informal ones. Physician, on the other hand, is a more formal and technical term that is often used in medical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between doctor and physician?
Physician is a more formal term than doctor and is often used in medical settings. However, both terms can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
