Meaning of Word
Vet can refer to a veterinarian (an animal doctor) or to examine something carefully, particularly for quality or suitability.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Vet (noun): A veterinarian, or animal doctor, responsible for the health care of animals.
- Vet (verb): To carefully examine or evaluate someone or something, often for suitability, competence, or safety.
- Vet (noun, informal): A person with experience in a particular field, especially someone who has been in a profession for a long time.
History and Origin
The word vet is a shortened form of veterinarian, which comes from the Latin veterinarius, meaning “pertaining to beasts of burden” or “farm animals.” The term has been used since the 18th century to describe a person who treats animals, particularly those that are domesticated or in the military. As a verb, it originated from the practice of assessing or examining people or things thoroughly, particularly in relation to military or professional experience.
Detailed Explanation
The term vet is used in two main contexts: as a noun and as a verb.
- As a noun: A vet is commonly understood as a veterinarian, someone who is trained and licensed to provide medical care to animals. This includes diagnosing diseases, treating injuries, performing surgeries, and advising on animal care. Additionally, in informal contexts, vet can refer to an experienced person in a particular profession, especially someone who has been involved for a long time, like a veteran of the field.
- As a verb: To vet something means to scrutinize it carefully to ensure that it meets certain standards or is suitable for a particular purpose. For example, a job applicant may be vetted before being hired, or a document may be vetted for accuracy.
Example Sentences
- The vet gave the dog a thorough examination to ensure it was healthy.
- He has been a vet in the industry for over 30 years, with extensive knowledge of the field.
- The team decided to vet all the candidates carefully before making a final decision.
- After the accident, the injured cat was taken to the vet for emergency treatment.
- She worked hard to vet every proposal before presenting them to the board.
- The vet administered the vaccine to prevent any future diseases.
- The job application was carefully vetted to ensure only qualified candidates were considered.
- The vets in the community offered free medical care to injured wildlife.
- Before publishing the article, the editor had to vet it for factual accuracy.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Veterinarian: A medical professional who treats animals, the full form of vet.
- Doctor: A medical professional, though typically used for human doctors, sometimes used informally for vets.
- Examine: To look at something carefully in order to assess its condition or quality.
- Screen: To evaluate or filter something to ensure its suitability.
- Assess: To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Animal Care: The responsibility of taking care of animals, often a part of a vet’s role.
- Diagnosis: The process of identifying a disease or condition, often conducted by a vet.
- Treatment: Medical intervention or procedures to address health issues, provided by a vet for animals.
- Surgery: Medical operations to treat health conditions, something a vet may perform on animals.
- Consultation: The act of seeking advice or guidance from a professional, such as a vet for animal health.
Antonyms
- Amateur: A person who is not a professional in a particular field, in contrast to a trained vet.
- Novice: A beginner or someone without experience, opposite of a skilled or experienced vet.
- Unqualified: Lacking the necessary skills or credentials, the opposite of a certified vet.
- Inexperienced: Lacking the expertise or knowledge that a vet possesses.
- Unskilled: Lacking the proficiency that a professional vet has in their field.