doctor
Latinteacher, learned person
About This Root
From Latin doctor (teacher), from docēre (to teach). The root connects teaching and knowledge: docile (teachable), doctrine (what is taught), document (something that teaches or proves). The word doctor originally meant "learned teacher" before narrowing to medical practitioners — though the academic title PhD preserves the older sense.
Associated Words · 7
doctor
a medical professional; a holder of a doctorate
document
a written record; to record information
doctrine
A set of authoritative beliefs or principles held by a group or religion
documentation
Written materials providing evidence, instructions, or official records
doctorate
The highest academic degree awarded by a university
docile
Easily taught or controlled; obedient
doctrinaire
Rigidly applying theory without regard for practicality; a dogmatic theorist