What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
healer
Example
The shaman was known as a powerful healer in his community. [healer: noun]
Example
She used her gift of healing to help those suffering from chronic pain. [healing: gerund or present participle]
doctor
Example
The doctor prescribed medication to treat the patient's symptoms. [doctor: noun]
Example
She became a doctor of philosophy after completing her doctoral thesis. [doctor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Doctor is more commonly used than healer in everyday language, as it is a recognized and regulated profession. Healer is less common and may be associated with alternative or complementary medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between healer and doctor?
Doctor is generally considered a more formal term than healer, as it is a recognized profession with formal education and certification. Healer may be considered more informal or even controversial, depending on the context and perspective.
