1
Core action
Set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
Example
The protocol prescribes a separate test for each sample.
prescribe
/prɪˈskraɪb/ · pri-SKRYBEverb
Set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
Use prescribe to express this relationship precisely: set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
What prescribe Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The law prescribes strict limits on emissions.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Guidelines recommend an approach but do not prescribe every step.
Use prescribe Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The protocol prescribes a separate test for each sample.
The law prescribes strict limits on emissions.
Guidelines recommend an approach but do not prescribe every step.
Precision Matters
Prescribe overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
prescribe
vs.Means set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
set forth
Means present, state, or explain ideas, rules, or arguments clearly and formally.
prescribe
vs.Means set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
mandatory
Means required by a rule, law, or authority; not optional.
prescribe
vs.Means set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
imperative
Means vitally important, urgent, or necessary.
prescribe
vs.Means set down, order, or require a rule, procedure, treatment, or course of action.
subject to
Means dependent on a condition, governed by a rule, or vulnerable to an influence or change.
Test prescribe in Context
The standard authoritatively lays down a required procedure.
1
The revised standard will ___ exactly how laboratories must label stored samples.