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Prescribed vs Ordained - What's the difference?

prescribed | ordained |

As verbs the difference between prescribed and ordained

is that prescribed is past tense of prescribe while ordained is past tense of ordain.

As an adjective ordained is

established by authority.

prescribed

English

Verb

(head)
  • (prescribe)

    • prescribe

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Usage notes

    * The pronunciation with the stressed first syllable is normally used only when added distinction from (proscribe) is required.

    Verb

    (prescrib)
  • To order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient.
    • The doctor prescribed aspirin.
  • To specify as a required procedure or ritual; to lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Prescribe not us our duties.
  • * Dryden
    • Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.

    Related terms

    * prescription * prescriptive * prescriptivism * prescriptivist

    See also

    * proscribe English transitive verbs ----

    ordained

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Established by authority.
  • Admitted to the ministry of the church.
    • There was much pomp at the ceremony that made him an ordained minister.

    Verb

    (head)
  • (ordain)