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prescription

A1 noun 11 min read

prescription

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips prescription in 30 Seconds

Explanation prescription in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'prescription' as a word related to health and doctors. Think of it as the 'doctor's order'. You don't need to use it in complex legal sentences yet. Focus on simple phrases like 'ma prescription' (my prescription) or 'la prescription du docteur' (the doctor's prescription). At this stage, it is most helpful to associate this word with the pharmacy and the act of getting medicine. You might see it on a sign at a clinic or hear a doctor say it. Remember that it is a feminine word, so you use 'la' or 'une'. If you can say 'J'ai une prescription', you are doing great! It is a useful word for basic survival French if you ever need to visit a doctor while traveling. Just remember that the physical paper is often called 'une ordonnance', but 'prescription' will always be understood as the reason you need the medicine.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'prescription' in slightly more detailed sentences. You should be able to link it with verbs like 'suivre' (to follow) or 'donner' (to give). For example, 'Je dois suivre la prescription' (I must follow the prescription). You are also becoming aware of the difference between 'prescription' and 'ordonnance'. You can describe a situation where a medicine is 'sous prescription', meaning you cannot buy it freely. This level involves understanding the importance of the word in a medical dialogue. You might also start to see the word in plural form, 'les prescriptions', referring to multiple instructions given by a health professional. You should be comfortable using possessive adjectives (ma, ta, sa, notre, votre, leur) with this word and ensuring that any accompanying adjectives are in the feminine form, such as 'une prescription médicale' or 'une bonne prescription'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the concept of a prescription in the context of health and society. You can talk about the necessity of following a 'prescription médicale' for recovery and express opinions about medical treatments. You might use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it as the subject of a passive sentence: 'La prescription a été rédigée par le spécialiste' (The prescription was written by the specialist). You should also be aware of the word's formal tone and use it appropriately in professional or clinical settings. This is the level where you might encounter the legal meaning of 'prescription' (statute of limitations) in simple news articles, though the medical meaning remains primary. You can compare different 'prescriptions' and explain why one might be more effective than another using transition words like 'parce que' or 'bien que'.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'prescription' in both medical and legal contexts. You can follow a debate about the 'prescription d'antibiotiques' and the public health implications of over-prescribing. In legal terms, you should understand the 'délai de prescription' (the time limit for legal action) and be able to explain it in a discussion about justice or law. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'directive' or 'indication' where appropriate, but you choose 'prescription' for its authoritative and formal connotation. You can write detailed reports or essays where 'prescription' is used to describe formal requirements. You are also proficient in using the word with complex prepositions and in hypothetical situations (e.g., 'Si la prescription était plus claire, il n'y aurait pas d'erreur'). You understand the cultural context of French healthcare and how prescriptions are regulated.

At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word 'prescription'. You use it fluently in academic, medical, and legal discussions. You understand the subtle differences between 'prescription', 'ordonnance', and 'posologie' and can explain these differences to others. You are comfortable with idiomatic or highly formal expressions like 'tomber sous le coup de la prescription' (to be subject to the statute of limitations). In professional medical French, you use 'prescription' to discuss therapeutic strategies and protocols. In legal French, you can navigate complex arguments regarding the 'prescription acquisitive' (obtaining property through long-term possession) or 'prescription extinctive' (loss of a right over time). Your use of the word is precise, reflecting an understanding of its Latin roots and its evolution in French law and medicine. You can analyze texts where the word is used metaphorically or in very specific technical domains.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'prescription' in all its polysemic glory. You can appreciate its use in historical legal texts, philosophical treatises on authority, and high-level medical research. You are sensitive to the stylistic choices of using 'prescription' versus its synonyms to convey different levels of formality or technicality. You can engage in sophisticated linguistic analysis of how the word functions in different registers of French. Whether you are drafting a legal brief, a medical thesis, or a literary critique, you use 'prescription' with absolute precision. You understand the historical development of the 'délai de prescription' in the French Civil Code and how it differs from common law concepts. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing complex ideas about time, authority, and professional duty in the Francophone world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

prescription in 30 Seconds

A formal medical instruction for treatment or medication.
A feminine noun in French (la prescription).
Different from 'ordonnance', which is the physical paper.
Also means 'statute of limitations' in legal contexts.

The French word prescription is a sophisticated noun that primarily refers to the act of a medical professional ordering a specific treatment, medication, or regimen for a patient. While English speakers might immediately think of the physical piece of paper handed over at a pharmacy, in French, that specific document is more commonly called une ordonnance. However, prescription is the technical and formal term for the medical directive itself. It encompasses the professional judgment and the formal instruction provided by the doctor. Understanding this word requires recognizing its formal tone; you will encounter it in medical reports, insurance documents, and formal health discussions rather than in a casual chat at the grocery store.

Medical Context: In a healthcare setting, the prescription represents the formal therapeutic decision. For example, a doctor might discuss the prescription d'antibiotiques (prescription of antibiotics) as a necessary step for recovery.

Le médecin a terminé la prescription de votre traitement après avoir analysé vos résultats.

The doctor finished the prescription of your treatment after analyzing your results.

Beyond the medical field, prescription carries a significant legal weight in French. It refers to the 'statute of limitations' or the period after which a legal action can no longer be brought or a right can no longer be exercised. This dual meaning is crucial for advanced learners. In everyday A1-level French, you focus on the medical side, but knowing the legal side helps you understand why the word sounds so official. It is a word rooted in authority—the authority of a doctor or the authority of the law.

Legal Context: In law, la prescription denotes the loss of a right because it was not used for a certain amount of time. This is a common term in French news regarding court cases.

La prescription médicale doit être respectée scrupuleusement pour une guérison rapide.

When using this word, remember it is a feminine noun. You will always use feminine articles like la, une, or cette. It is often followed by the preposition de (of) to specify what is being prescribed. For instance, la prescription de repos (the prescription of rest). It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between high-level science and everyday health management.

Cette prescription est valable pendant trois mois à partir de la date d'émission.

Common Usage: You will see this word on the headers of medical documents or in the 'Usage' section of medication packaging in France and other Francophone countries.

Il a suivi la prescription à la lettre pour éviter les effets secondaires.

Sans prescription, le pharmacien ne peut pas vous donner ce médicament spécifique.

Using prescription correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its typical companions in a sentence. Since it is a feminine noun, your adjectives and articles must agree. For example, 'a long prescription' would be une longue prescription. In most medical contexts, it functions as the object of a verb like suivre (to follow), donner (to give), or respecter (to respect/adhere to).

The Verb 'Suivre': The most common way to say you are taking your medicine as directed is suivre une prescription. Example: 'Je suis ma prescription médicale.'

Vous devez suivre la prescription du docteur pour guérir plus vite.

Another frequent structure involves the verb faire or rédiger (to write/draft) when referring to the doctor's action. A doctor doesn't just 'write' a prescription in the casual sense; they rédigent une prescription or établissent une prescription. This highlights the professional nature of the act. If you are describing the necessity of the medicine, you might say it is sous prescription (under/by prescription), meaning it's not available over-the-counter.

The Preposition 'Sous': When a drug requires a doctor's note, we say 'Ce médicament est disponible uniquement sous prescription'.

La prescription de lunettes est nécessaire pour cet examen de la vue.

In a plural sense, les prescriptions can refer to a set of rules or guidelines. For instance, in a workplace, les prescriptions de sécurité are safety regulations. This demonstrates the word's flexibility beyond medicine. However, for a beginner, focusing on the medical 'order' is the most effective path. You will often hear it used with the possessive adjectives: ma prescription, votre prescription, sa prescription.

Possessive Usage: Using 'ma' or 'votre' helps clarify whose medical orders are being discussed. 'Où est votre prescription ?' (Where is your prescription?)

Est-ce que cette prescription inclut des vitamines ?

Les prescriptions du spécialiste sont très claires et faciles à lire.

Finally, consider the negative form. If you don't have a prescription, you say sans prescription. 'Je ne peux pas acheter ce sirop sans prescription.' This is a vital phrase for travelers who might need to explain why they can't obtain a certain medicine at a local pharmacy. It shows a respect for the regulatory system of the host country.

Il est interdit de vendre ces pilules sans une prescription valide.

The word prescription is a staple of the French healthcare system, which is known for its rigor and documentation. You will hear it most frequently in three specific locations: the doctor's office (le cabinet médical), the pharmacy (la pharmacie), and when dealing with health insurance (l'Assurance Maladie or la mutuelle). In these contexts, the word serves as a formal bridge between the medical diagnosis and the practical treatment.

At the Pharmacy: The pharmacist might ask, 'Avez-vous une prescription pour ce médicament ?' This is usually the first question if you ask for anything stronger than basic ibuprofen.

Le pharmacien vérifie la validité de la prescription avant de préparer les médicaments.

In the media, specifically on news channels like BFM TV or in newspapers like Le Monde, you will hear prescription used in two very different ways. First, in health reports about the over-prescription of antibiotics—a major public health topic in France. Second, in legal reporting. If a crime was committed twenty years ago, journalists will often discuss the délai de prescription (the statute of limitations) to explain why the person can no longer be prosecuted. This legal use is actually more common in the general news than the medical use.

In the News: You might hear: 'L'affaire est close à cause de la prescription.' (The case is closed because of the statute of limitations.)

La prescription légale empêche parfois de juger de vieux crimes.

On French television dramas, especially medical procedurals like Hippocrate or Nina, doctors will use the word when discussing patient charts. You might hear a head surgeon ask a resident, 'Quelle est votre prescription pour ce patient ?' This usage emphasizes the decision-making process. It is about the 'what' and the 'why' of the treatment. In these shows, the word carries the weight of professional responsibility and the potential for medical error if the prescription is incorrect.

Dans cette série, le docteur change la prescription au dernier moment.

Finally, in the workplace, specifically in technical fields or construction, you might hear about prescriptions techniques. These are formal technical specifications that must be followed during a project. While this is a more niche use, it highlights the word's core meaning: a formal, authoritative instruction that must be obeyed. Whether it is a doctor, a judge, or an engineer, the person issuing the prescription is the one in charge of the rules.

L'ingénieur a ajouté une nouvelle prescription dans le cahier des charges.

Technical Specs: 'Les prescriptions de sécurité' are the mandatory safety rules on a construction site.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with prescription is a 'false friend' error regarding the physical object. In English, 'prescription' is almost always the piece of paper. In French, if you say 'J'ai perdu ma prescription' (I lost my prescription), a French person will understand you, but it sounds slightly off. They would almost always say 'J'ai perdu mon ordonnance'. Using prescription for the paper is a common anglicism that you should try to avoid if you want to sound natural.

Ordonnance vs. Prescription: Use ordonnance for the physical document. Use prescription for the medical order or the act of prescribing.

Erreur : J'ai oublié ma prescription à la maison. (Better: mon ordonnance)

Another mistake involves the gender of the word. Because many English words ending in '-ion' are neutral, learners sometimes forget that almost all French words ending in '-tion' are feminine. Saying 'le prescription' is a very common error for beginners. Always pair it with la or une. This affects any adjectives you use as well; they must be in the feminine form (e.g., une prescription médicale, not médical).

Correct : La prescription est obligatoire pour ce médicament.

Learners also struggle with the verb agreement. Since prescription is the subject, the verb must match it. In the sentence 'The doctor's prescriptions are important', the verb 'to be' must be plural: 'Les prescriptions du médecin sont importantes'. It is easy to get distracted by the word 'médecin' (which is singular) and use a singular verb by mistake. Always look for the true subject of the sentence.

Verb Agreement: Make sure your verb matches 'la prescription' (singular) or 'les prescriptions' (plural), not the person who wrote it.

Les prescriptions de cet hôpital sont suivies rigoureusement.

A more subtle mistake is using prescription when you actually mean 'advice' (conseil). A prescription is a formal, mandatory instruction. If a friend tells you to drink more water, that is a conseil. If a doctor writes it down as part of a treatment plan, it might be a prescription. Using the word for casual advice sounds overly dramatic or clinical. Reserve it for formal contexts where authority is involved.

Ne confondez pas un simple conseil avec une prescription médicale formelle.

Register Confusion: Using 'prescription' for a friend's suggestion is too formal. Use 'suggestion' or 'conseil' instead.

When discussing medical orders or formal instructions, several words orbit the same semantic space as prescription. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the document, the advice, or the legal requirement. The most important alternative is ordonnance. As mentioned, this is the physical paper. If you go to a pharmacy, you are carrying an ordonnance, which contains the prescriptions of the doctor.

Prescription vs. Ordonnance: Prescription = The order/act. Ordonnance = The paper document.

Le médecin écrit l'ordonnance qui contient la prescription.

Another word often used in medical settings is posologie. This specifically refers to the dosage and frequency of the medication (e.g., 'two pills a day'). While the prescription is the overall order for the medicine, the posologie is the detailed instruction on how to take it. You will see posologie written on the side of medicine boxes. If you are asking how much to take, you are asking about the posologie.

Prescription vs. Posologie: Prescription = The what (the drug). Posologie = The how (the dose).

La prescription est claire, mais vérifiez bien la posologie sur la boîte.

For more general instructions that aren't necessarily medical, you might use directive or consigne. A directive is a formal instruction from an authority (like a boss or a government), while a consigne is a specific rule to follow (like safety instructions in a museum). Prescription is more formal and authoritative than both of these. In a legal context, forclusion is a synonym that refers specifically to the loss of a right to act because a deadline has passed.

Prescription vs. Directive: Directive is general; Prescription is often medical or legal and highly formal.

Suivez les directives du personnel, mais respectez votre prescription médicale.

Le traitement commence immédiatement après la prescription.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, a 'praescriptio' was a prefix written at the top of a legal formula to limit the scope of the trial. This is why the word still has a legal meaning today!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʁɛs.kʁip.sjɔ̃/

US /pʁɛs.kʁɪp.sjɔ̃/

The stress in French is always on the last syllable: pres-krip-SJON.

Rhymes With

description inscription souscription circonscription proscription transcription action nation

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tion' like the English 'shun'.
Making the 'p' sound too airy.
Forgetting to nasalize the final 'on'.
Pronouncing the final 'n' clearly (it should be nasal).
Using an English 'r' instead of a French 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and correct spelling.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal 'on' sound at the end can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear 'tion' ending makes it easy to spot in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

médecin médicament malade donner papier

Learn Next

ordonnance posologie traitement guérir pharmacien

Advanced

jurisprudence imprescriptible thérapeutique protocole législation

Grammar to Know

Feminine nouns ending in -tion

La prescription, la nation, la solution.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Une prescription médicale (not médical).

Using 'de' after a noun to show content

Une prescription de repos.

Plural of nouns ending in -tion

Les prescriptions (add 's').

Preposition 'sous' for requirements

Vendu sous prescription.

Examples by Level

Le docteur donne une prescription.

The doctor gives a prescription.

Uses the feminine article 'une'.

J'ai ma prescription.

I have my prescription.

Uses the feminine possessive 'ma'.

C'est une prescription pour du sirop.

It is a prescription for syrup.

'Prescription pour' indicates the purpose.

Où est la prescription ?

Where is the prescription?

Definite article 'la'.

La prescription est sur la table.

The prescription is on the table.

Simple subject-verb-preposition structure.

Une prescription médicale est nécessaire.

A medical prescription is necessary.

Adjective 'médicale' agrees with feminine 'prescription'.

Merci pour la prescription.

Thank you for the prescription.

Common polite expression.

Elle lit la prescription.

She is reading the prescription.

Present tense of the verb 'lire'.

Vous devez suivre cette prescription.

You must follow this prescription.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive 'suivre'.

Le pharmacien demande la prescription.

The pharmacist asks for the prescription.

Action verb 'demander'.

Il n'a pas de prescription.

He doesn't have a prescription.

Negation with 'pas de'.

C'est une prescription importante.

It is an important prescription.

Adjective 'importante' is feminine.

Je cherche ma prescription de lunettes.

I am looking for my glasses prescription.

Specific use for vision.

La prescription dure dix jours.

The prescription lasts ten days.

Verb 'durer' (to last).

Nous avons reçu la prescription.

We received the prescription.

Passé composé of 'recevoir'.

Voulez-vous voir la prescription ?

Do you want to see the prescription?

Inversion for question.

La prescription de ce médicament est très réglementée.

The prescription of this medicine is very regulated.

Passive sense with 'est réglementée'.

Il est impossible d'obtenir ce produit sans prescription.

It is impossible to get this product without a prescription.

Impersonal 'il est impossible de'.

Le médecin a changé sa prescription habituelle.

The doctor changed his usual prescription.

Adjective 'habituelle' follows the noun.

Elle a oublié de renouveler sa prescription.

She forgot to renew her prescription.

Verb 'renouveler' (to renew).

Les prescriptions du kinésithérapeute sont efficaces.

The physical therapist's prescriptions are effective.

Plural agreement.

Cette prescription médicale est valable partout en France.

This medical prescription is valid everywhere in France.

Adjective 'valable'.

Je ne comprends pas bien cette prescription.

I don't understand this prescription very well.

Adverb 'bien' modifying the verb.

La prescription doit être signée par le médecin.

The prescription must be signed by the doctor.

Passive voice 'être signée'.

La prescription d'antibiotiques doit être limitée pour éviter les résistances.

The prescription of antibiotics must be limited to avoid resistance.

Complex scientific context.

En droit français, la prescription peut annuler une dette.

In French law, the statute of limitations can cancel a debt.

Legal use of the word.

Le délai de prescription pour ce crime est de vingt ans.

The statute of limitations for this crime is twenty years.

Compound noun 'délai de prescription'.

Cette prescription technique est essentielle pour la sécurité du bâtiment.

This technical specification is essential for the building's safety.

Technical/Industrial register.

L'avocat invoque la prescription pour défendre son client.

The lawyer invokes the statute of limitations to defend his client.

Verb 'invoquer'.

Une prescription abusive peut entraîner des sanctions pour le médecin.

An abusive prescription can lead to sanctions for the doctor.

Adjective 'abusive'.

Le patient a contesté la prescription du spécialiste.

The patient challenged the specialist's prescription.

Verb 'contester'.

Il faut respecter les prescriptions de dosage indiquées.

One must respect the indicated dosage instructions.

Plural noun 'prescriptions'.

L'interruption de la prescription est un concept juridique complexe.

The interruption of the statute of limitations is a complex legal concept.

Advanced legal terminology.

La prescription acquisitive permet de devenir propriétaire par l'usage prolongé.

Acquisitive prescription allows one to become an owner through prolonged use.

Specific legal term 'prescription acquisitive'.

La prescription médicale électronique gagne du terrain dans les hôpitaux modernes.

Electronic medical prescription is gaining ground in modern hospitals.

Modern healthcare context.

Le rapport critique la prescription systématique de somnifères.

The report criticizes the systematic prescription of sleeping pills.

Abstract noun usage.

La prescription de mesures d'urgence a été décidée par le préfet.

The prescription of emergency measures was decided by the prefect.

Administrative register.

Il existe une prescription trentenaire pour certains litiges fonciers.

There is a thirty-year statute of limitations for certain land disputes.

Adjective 'trentenaire'.

L'éthique médicale encadre rigoureusement la prescription de nouveaux traitements.

Medical ethics rigorously frames the prescription of new treatments.

High-level professional tone.

La prescription extinctive met fin à une action en justice.

Extinctive prescription ends a legal action.

Specific legal term 'prescription extinctive'.

L'évolution de la prescription reflète les mutations de la responsabilité médicale.

The evolution of prescription reflects the changes in medical responsibility.

Philosophical/Sociological analysis.

La prescription est ici entendue comme un impératif catégorique.

Prescription is understood here as a categorical imperative.

Philosophical register.

Le législateur a souhaité harmoniser les délais de prescription civile et pénale.

The legislator wished to harmonize civil and criminal statutes of limitations.

Legislative terminology.

La prescription de psychotropes chez les mineurs soulève des débats passionnés.

The prescription of psychotropic drugs in minors raises passionate debates.

Social critique.

L'imprescriptibilité de certains crimes contre l'humanité s'oppose à la prescription classique.

The non-applicability of the statute of limitations for certain crimes against humanity opposes classic prescription.

Concept of 'imprescriptibilité'.

Une prescription malavisée peut compromettre l'intégrité du protocole de recherche.

An ill-advised prescription can compromise the integrity of the research protocol.

Scientific research register.

La jurisprudence a récemment précisé les modalités de la prescription en matière d'assurance.

Case law has recently clarified the modalities of prescription in insurance matters.

Judicial terminology.

L'acte de prescription demeure le pivot de la relation médecin-patient.

The act of prescribing remains the pivot of the doctor-patient relationship.

Abstract professional concept.

Common Collocations

prescription médicale

sous prescription

délai de prescription

suivre une prescription

prescription d'antibiotiques

prescription technique

valeur de prescription

prescription de repos

invoquer la prescription

prescription électronique

Common Phrases

Sur prescription médicale

— Only available if ordered by a doctor. Used on medicine packaging.

Disponible uniquement sur prescription médicale.

Délai de prescription

— The time limit after which a crime cannot be prosecuted. Common in news.

Le délai de prescription pour un vol est de six ans.

Respecter la prescription

— To follow the medical orders exactly. Essential for patient safety.

Il est vital de respecter la prescription.

Faire une prescription

— The act of a doctor writing or issuing a medical order.

Le médecin va vous faire une prescription.

Prescription de lunettes

— The specific document needed to buy corrective lenses.

J'ai besoin d'une nouvelle prescription de lunettes.

Prescription de soins

— A general order for nursing or specialized health care.

Il a une prescription de soins à domicile.

Prescription trentenaire

— A legal concept where property rights change after 30 years. Very formal.

La prescription trentenaire s'applique à ce terrain.

Sans prescription

— Over-the-counter; without needing a doctor's note.

Ce sirop est vendu sans prescription.

Prescription d'office

— An order given automatically by an authority without a request.

C'est une prescription d'office du tribunal.

Renouvellement de prescription

— Getting a new order for a medicine you are already taking.

Je vais chez le docteur pour un renouvellement de prescription.

Often Confused With

prescription vs ordonnance

English speakers use 'prescription' for the paper, but French uses 'ordonnance'.

prescription vs description

Sounds similar but means 'description'. Don't mix up the first letter!

prescription vs inscription

Means 'registration' or 'enrollment'. Often used in schools or clubs.

Idioms & Expressions

"Tomber sous le coup de la prescription"

— To be no longer prosecutable because the time limit has passed. Used in legal contexts.

Son crime est tombé sous le coup de la prescription.

formal

"Acquérir par prescription"

— To gain ownership of something simply by using it for a long legal period.

Il a acquis ce jardin par prescription.

legal

"Une prescription de fer"

— A very strict and non-negotiable set of orders (metaphorical).

Le coach nous a donné une prescription de fer pour l'entraînement.

informal

"Prescription de complaisance"

— A prescription given by a doctor just to please the patient, not because it's needed.

Le médecin refuse les prescriptions de complaisance.

neutral

"Agir par prescription"

— To act only because one was ordered to, without personal initiative.

Il n'est pas créatif, il agit par prescription.

neutral

"La prescription est acquise"

— A formal way to say that the statute of limitations has officially been met.

L'avocat a confirmé que la prescription est acquise.

formal

"Prescription de dernière minute"

— An order given at the very last moment, often causing stress.

Encore une prescription de dernière minute du patron !

informal

"Prescription de bon sens"

— An 'order' that is actually just common sense advice.

Boire de l'eau est une prescription de bon sens.

neutral

"Interrompre la prescription"

— To take a legal action that resets the statute of limitations clock.

Cette lettre recommandée a interrompu la prescription.

formal

"Prescription de masse"

— The act of prescribing the same thing to a large number of people without individual care.

Il faut éviter la prescription de masse dans les écoles.

neutral

Easily Confused

prescription vs Proscription

Sounds almost identical.

Prescription is an order to DO/TAKE something. Proscription is an order to FORBID/BAN something.

La prescription de repos vs la proscription de l'alcool.

prescription vs Description

Only the first letter is different.

A description tells you what something looks like; a prescription tells you what to do.

La description du voleur vs la prescription du médecin.

prescription vs Inscription

Same suffix.

Inscription is signing up for something; prescription is a medical/legal order.

L'inscription à l'université vs la prescription médicale.

prescription vs Souscription

Same suffix.

Souscription is a subscription or a contribution to a fund.

Une souscription publique pour l'hôpital.

prescription vs Circonscription

Same suffix.

A circonscription is a voting district or administrative area.

Sa circonscription électorale est à Paris.

Sentence Patterns

C'est une prescription.

C'est une prescription pour Paul.

Je dois [verbe] la prescription.

Je dois donner la prescription.

Il est [adjectif] de [verbe] la prescription.

Il est nécessaire de suivre la prescription.

La prescription de [nom] est [adjectif].

La prescription d'antibiotiques est fréquente.

Invoquer la prescription pour [raison].

Invoquer la prescription pour clore l'affaire.

Le concept de prescription s'articule autour de [concept].

Le concept de prescription s'articule autour du temps.

Où est ma prescription ?

Où est ma prescription de sirop ?

Sans prescription, on ne peut pas...

Sans prescription, on ne peut pas acheter ce remède.

Word Family

Nouns

prescripteur (the person who prescribes)

ordonnance (related document)

proscription (prohibition)

Verbs

prescrire (to prescribe)

proscrire (to forbid)

Adjectives

prescriptif (prescriptive)

prescrit (prescribed)

prescriptible (subject to a statute of limitations)

médicament

médecin

pharmacie

droit

délai

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and legal settings; rare in casual daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'le prescription' → la prescription
Prescription is a feminine noun. All words ending in -tion are feminine in French. This is a fundamental rule.
Saying 'prescription' for the physical paper → ordonnance
While 'prescription' is understood, 'ordonnance' is the correct and more natural word for the piece of paper from the doctor.
Pronouncing it like 'pres-krip-shun' → pres-krip-see-on
The 'tion' ending in French is always 'see-on' with a nasal 'on'. The English 'shun' sound doesn't exist in this word.
Forgetting the 's' in the plural → les prescriptions
Even though the 's' is silent in speech, it must be written in the plural form to be grammatically correct.
Using 'prescription' for a friend's advice → conseil
Prescription is an authoritative order. For casual advice, use 'conseil' or 'suggestion'.

Tips

Gender Tip

Remember: -tion = feminine. Always use 'la' or 'une' with prescription. This will help you avoid the most common mistake beginners make with this word.

The Paper vs. The Order

Think of 'ordonnance' as the paper you touch and 'prescription' as the order you follow. This distinction will make your French sound much more natural and professional.

Nasal Ending

Don't say 'shun'! Say 'see-on' and make sure the 'on' sounds like you have a cold. Practice with other words like 'attention' or 'station'.

Pharmacy Etiquette

In France, always have your 'ordonnance' or 'prescription' ready at the counter. Pharmacists are very strict about legal requirements for medications.

Watch the News

Listen for 'prescription' in French news reports about court cases. It will almost always refer to the statute of limitations, which is a great way to learn the second meaning.

Preposition Power

Use 'sous prescription' to describe medicines that aren't free to buy. It's a common phrase you'll see on signs or websites.

Pre-Scripted

The doctor 'scripts' it 'pre' (before) you go to the pharmacy. This English connection makes the word very easy to remember.

Spelling Check

Notice there is no 'i' before the 'p'. It is 'pres-crip-tion', not 'pres-cri-p-tion'. The spelling is identical to English, which is lucky!

Formal Situations

Use 'prescription' when you want to sound serious or professional, like when talking to an insurance agent or a specialist.

Context Clues

If you hear 'médecin' or 'médicament', it's about health. If you hear 'avocat' or 'tribunal', it's about the law. The word is the same, but the world is different!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pre-Script'. A doctor 'Scripts' (writes) something 'Pre' (before) you can get your medicine.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor holding a giant pen, writing 'STOP' on a clock (legal meaning) and 'PILLS' on a paper (medical meaning).

Word Web

Médecin Santé Loi Temps Médicament Ordonnance Règle Soin

Challenge

Try to use 'prescription' in a sentence about a doctor and a sentence about a lawyer today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'praescriptio', which comes from 'praescribere' (to write before).

Original meaning: A title, a preamble, or an order written at the beginning of a document.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'prescription' in a legal context with victims of old crimes, as the statute of limitations can be a sensitive subject.

In English, we say 'prescription' for both the act and the paper. French is more precise with 'ordonnance' vs 'prescription'.

The 'Affaire Grégory' (famous French legal case involving prescription issues). Molière's plays often satirize medical prescriptions. French health campaigns 'Les antibiotiques, c'est pas automatique' relate to over-prescription.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

Est-ce que j'ai besoin d'une prescription ?
Pouvez-vous écrire la prescription ?
C'est une nouvelle prescription.
Quelle est la durée de la prescription ?

At the Pharmacy

Voici ma prescription.
Est-ce que c'est sous prescription ?
Je n'ai pas de prescription pour ça.
La prescription est-elle valide ?

Legal / Business

Le délai de prescription est passé.
C'est une prescription légale.
L'avocat parle de prescription.
La prescription s'applique ici.

Vision / Optician

Ma prescription de lunettes a changé.
J'ai une prescription pour des lentilles.
L'opticien vérifie la prescription.
Où est ma prescription ?

Technical / Safety

Suivez les prescriptions de sécurité.
C'est une prescription technique du fabricant.
Les prescriptions sont claires.
Il faut respecter ces prescriptions.

Conversation Starters

"Avez-vous déjà perdu une prescription médicale importante ?"

"Pensez-vous que les antibiotiques sont trop souvent sous prescription ?"

"Est-ce que la prescription pour les lunettes est chère dans votre pays ?"

"Connaissez-vous le délai de prescription pour les petits crimes chez vous ?"

"Comment peut-on renouveler une prescription sans voir le médecin ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez votre dernière visite chez le médecin et la prescription qu'il vous a donnée.

Pourquoi est-il important de suivre une prescription médicale jusqu'au bout ?

Que pensez-vous du concept de prescription légale ? Est-ce juste ?

Imaginez que vous êtes pharmacien. Expliquez une prescription à un patient.

Quels médicaments devraient être vendus sans prescription selon vous ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always say 'la prescription' or 'une prescription'. Most words ending in -tion in French are feminine, which is a helpful rule to remember for your studies.

Yes, but 'ordonnance' is more common for the physical paper. If you say 'J'ai une prescription', the pharmacist will understand you perfectly, but 'J'ai une ordonnance' sounds more like a native speaker.

In a legal context, it means the 'statute of limitations'. It is the time limit after which a person can no longer be sued or prosecuted for a specific act. It's a very important term in French law.

You can say 'en vente libre' or 'sans prescription'. For example, 'Ce médicament est en vente libre' or 'C'est disponible sans prescription'.

Yes, the verb is 'prescrire'. It is an irregular verb similar to 'écrire'. For example: 'Le médecin me prescrit du repos' (The doctor prescribes me some rest).

Not always. It can involve legal deadlines, technical specifications in engineering, or even safety rules in a factory. However, medical use is the most common for beginners.

It is pronounced like 'see-on'. The 'o' is nasal, so the air goes through your nose, and the 'n' is not fully pronounced as a hard consonant.

It is the specific document from an eye doctor (ophtalmologue) that tells the optician what strength your glasses or contact lenses need to be.

In technical contexts, it refers to mandatory requirements or standards that must be met for a product to be safe or functional.

Yes, it is quite formal. In casual conversation, people might use simpler words, but in medical, legal, or professional documents, 'prescription' is the standard term.