Practitioner

Definition

A practitioner is a person who actively practices a profession, particularly in medicine or the arts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun: practitioner (e.g., "She is a skilled medical practitioner.")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prækˈtɪʃənər/
• Respelling: prak-TISH-uh-nuhr (with "prak" as in "practical," "TISH" as in "dish," "uh" as an unstressed filler sound, and "nuhr" as in "nurture")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prækˈtɪʃənə/
• Respelling: prak-TISH-uh-nuh (with "prak" as in "practical," "TISH" as in "dish," "uh" as an unstressed filler sound, and "nuh" similar to "nuhr" but slightly softer)

In both dialects, "practitioner" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "TISH." The pronunciation variations are subtle between American and British English, mainly in the final sound, reflecting typical differences in vowel and consonant articulation.

Etymology

Derived from the word "practice", the term "practitioner" comes from Late Middle English. The word "practice" itself is rooted in the Old French "pratique," which is from the Medieval Latin "practica," meaning "practice or business." Thus, a practitioner is one who is engaged in the practice or execution of a particular profession or skill.

Derivatives

• Practice
• Practicable
• Practiced
• Practical
• Practically

Synonyms

• Professional
• Specialist
• Expert

Antonyms

• Novice
• Amateur
• Beginner

Usage

"Practitioner" is often utilized in contexts where emphasis is laid on the active, regular, and professional practice of a particular craft, skill, or profession. It's commonly associated with fields that require specialized training or certification, like healthcare or law.

Related Terms

• Clinician
• Therapist
• Physician
• Expertise
• Craftsperson

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Someone who actively practices a particular profession, especially in fields that require specialized education and training, like medicine or law.
• Example: "He's a respected practitioner in the field of pediatric medicine."

• An individual who is skilled in the application or exercise of something, especially a particular art or activity.
• Example: "She's not just a teacher of dance; she's also an active practitioner."