Docter vs. Doctor — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Docter" is an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "Doctor," a person qualified to practice medicine or having a doctorate in a subject.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Docter or Doctor
How to spell Doctor?
Docter
Incorrect Spelling
Doctor
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Link "Doctor" to the sound "tor" not "ter."
Remember "Doctor" as "Doc-tor," similar to "director."
Think of "Doctor Who," a popular TV show, to recall the correct spelling.
Visualize a doctor's office with the word "Doctor" on the door.
Recall "Dr." as the abbreviation for "Doctor."
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How Do You Spell Doctor Correctly?
Incorrect: She visited the docter for a routine check-up.
Correct: She visited the doctor for a routine check-up.
Incorrect: The docter prescribed some medicine for her cold.
Correct: The doctor prescribed some medicine for her cold.
Incorrect: The docter said it was just a minor infection.
Correct: The doctor said it was just a minor infection.
Incorrect: Can you recommend a good docter in this area?
Correct: Can you recommend a good doctor in this area?
Incorrect: He wants to become a docter in the future.
Correct: He wants to become a doctor in the future.
Doctor Definitions
A person licensed to practice medicine.
The doctor prescribed some medications.
Someone awarded the highest university degree.
She is a doctor of philosophy.
A person who repairs or adjusts something.
He's a TV repair doctor.
To tamper or falsify.
He doctored the evidence.
A veterinarian.
I'm taking my cat to the doctor.
A person who is licensed to practice medicine and has trained at a school of medicine or a school of osteopathic medicine; a physician.
Any of certain other healthcare professionals, such as a dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, podiatrist, or veterinarian.
A practitioner of alternative medicine or folk medicine who does not have traditional medical credentials.
A person who has earned the highest academic degree, usually a PhD, awarded by a college or university in a specified discipline.
A person awarded an honorary degree by a college or university.
Abbr. Dr. Used as a title and form of address for a person holding the degree of doctor.
Roman Catholic Church An eminent theologian.
A rig or device contrived for remedying an emergency situation or for doing a special task.
(Informal) To give medical treatment to
"[He] does more than practice medicine. He doctors people. There's a difference" (Charles Kuralt).
To repair, especially in a makeshift manner; rig.
To falsify or change in such a way as to make favorable to oneself
Doctored the evidence.
To add ingredients so as to improve or conceal the taste, appearance, or quality of
Doctor the soup with a dash of sherry.
To alter or modify for a specific end
Doctored my standard speech for the small-town audience.
(Baseball) To deface or apply a substance to (the ball) in violation of the rules in order to throw a pitch with extraordinary movement
Was ejected because he doctored the ball with a piece of sandpaper.
To practice medicine.
A physician; a member of the medical profession; one who is trained and licensed to heal the sick or injured. The final examination and qualification may award a doctor degree in which case the post-nominal letters are D.O., DPM, M.D., DMD, DDS, in the US or MBBS in the UK.
If you still feel unwell tomorrow, see your doctor.
A person who has attained a doctorate, such as a Ph.D. or Th.D. or one of many other terminal degrees conferred by a college or university.
A veterinarian; a medical practitioner who treats non-human animals.
A nickname for a person who has special knowledge or talents to manipulate or arrange transactions.
(obsolete) A teacher; one skilled in a profession or a branch of knowledge; a learned man.
(dated) Any mechanical contrivance intended to remedy a difficulty or serve some purpose in an exigency.
The doctor of a calico-printing machine, which is a knife to remove superfluous colouring matter
The doctor, or auxiliary engine, also called "donkey engine"
A fish, the friar skate.
A ship's cook.
(transitive) To act as a medical doctor to.
Her children doctored her back to health.
To act as a medical doctor.
(transitive) To make (someone) into an (academic) doctor; to confer a doctorate upon.
(transitive) To physically alter (medically or surgically) a living being in order to change growth or behavior.
They doctored their apple trees by vigorous pruning, and now the dwarfed trees are easier to pick.
We may legally doctor a pet to reduce its libido.
(transitive) To genetically alter an extant species.
Mendel's discoveries showed how the evolution of a species may be doctored.
(transitive) To alter or make obscure, as with the intention to deceive, especially a document.
To doctor the signature of an instrument with intent to defraud is an example of forgery.
(transitive) To adulterate, drug, or poison (drink).
To take medicine.
A teacher; one skilled in a profession, or branch of knowledge; a learned man.
One of the doctors of Italy, Nicholas Macciavel.
An academical title, originally meaning a man so well versed in his department as to be qualified to teach it. Hence: One who has taken the highest degree conferred by a university or college, or has received a diploma of the highest degree; as, a doctor of divinity, of law, of medicine, of music, or of philosophy. Such diplomas may confer an honorary title only.
One duly licensed to practice medicine; a member of the medical profession; a physician.
By medicine life may be prolonged, yet deathWill seize the doctor too.
Any mechanical contrivance intended to remedy a difficulty or serve some purpose in an exigency; as, the doctor of a calico-printing machine, which is a knife to remove superfluous coloring matter; the doctor, or auxiliary engine, called also donkey engine.
The friar skate.
To treat as a physician does; to apply remedies to; to repair; as, to doctor a sick man or a broken cart.
To confer a doctorate upon; to make a doctor.
To tamper with and arrange for one's own purposes; to falsify; to adulterate; as, to doctor election returns; to doctor whisky.
To practice physic.
A licensed medical practitioner;
I felt so bad I went to see my doctor
(Roman Catholic Church) a title conferred on 33 saints who distinguished themselves through the othodoxy of their theological teaching;
The Doctors of the Church greatly influenced Christian thought down to the late Middle Ages
Children take the roles of doctor or patient or nurse and pretend they are at the doctor's office;
The children explored each other's bodies by playing the game of doctor
A person who holds Ph.D. degree from an academic institution;
She is a doctor of philosophy in physics
Alter and make impure, as with the intention to deceive;
Sophisticate rose water with geraniol
Give medical treatment to
Restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken;
She repaired her TV set
Repair my shoes please
Doctor Meaning in a Sentence
She has an appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning.
My family doctor has been taking care of us for years.
The doctor advised her to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
He is seeing a doctor about his knee injury next week.
The doctor suggested regular exercise for better health.
The doctor performed a thorough examination.
She is a well-respected doctor in her field.
She's studying to be a doctor at the university.
She asked the doctor several questions about her treatment.
The doctor gave him a clean bill of health.
The doctor specializes in pediatric medicine.
Every year, he visits the doctor for a full physical exam.
The doctor was able to diagnose the problem immediately.
During the consultation, the doctor took the time to listen to her concerns.
The doctor recommended eating more fruits and vegetables.
He thanked the doctor for his help and support.
After years of hard work, he finally became a doctor.
They're looking for a doctor who accepts their insurance.
He's not just a good doctor; he's also very compassionate.
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.
The doctor explained the risks and benefits of the surgery.
Doctor Idioms & Phrases
Doctor-patient relationship
The professional relationship between a doctor and their patient, emphasizing trust and confidentiality.
A good doctor-patient relationship is crucial for effective healthcare.
Ask the doctor
To inquire about health concerns or seek medical advice from a doctor.
If you're unsure about the medication, you should ask the doctor for more information.
Board-certified doctor
A doctor who has passed a rigorous examination in a medical specialty.
It's reassuring to know that my surgeon is a board-certified doctor.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Doctor?
To doctor.
Which vowel is used before Doctor?
The vowel "o."
What is the root word of Doctor?
Latin "docere," meaning "to teach."
What is the plural form of Doctor?
Doctors.
Which preposition is used with Doctor?
"of" (as in doctor of philosophy).
Is Doctor an abstract noun?
No.
What is the pronunciation of Doctor?
ˈdɑk.tər
Why is it called Doctor?
It comes from the Latin "docere," meaning "to teach."
What is the singular form of Doctor?
Doctor.
Which conjunction is used with Doctor?
There's no specific conjunction tied to "doctor."
Which article is used with Doctor?
"a" (as in a doctor).
Is the word Doctor a gerund?
No.
What part of speech is Doctor?
Noun.
Which determiner is used with Doctor?
"this" (as in this doctor).
What is the first form of Doctor?
Doctor is a noun; it doesn't have verb forms like regular verbs.
Is the Doctor term a metaphor?
No, but can be used metaphorically (e.g., "spin doctor").
Is the word Doctor imperative?
No.
What is another term for Doctor?
Physician.
Is Doctor a noun or adjective?
Noun, but can be used adjectivally (e.g., doctor's appointment).
Is the word “Doctor” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can function as a direct object.
How do we divide Doctor into syllables?
Doc-tor.
What is the third form of Doctor?
Doctor remains a noun and doesn't possess verb forms.
Is Doctor an adverb?
No.
Is Doctor a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is Doctor a collective noun?
No.
What is a stressed syllable in Doctor?
"Doc."
What is the opposite of Doctor?
Patient.
How is Doctor used in a sentence?
"The doctor will see you now."
Is Doctor a vowel or consonant?
"Doctor" is a word, not a single letter.
Is Doctor a countable noun?
Yes.
How many syllables are in Doctor?
Two.
What is the second form of Doctor?
Doctor remains a noun and doesn't possess verb forms.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.