DOUTOR Meaning and
Definition
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"Doutor" is a Portuguese term that can be translated to "doctor" in English. It is a noun derived from the Latin word "doctor" which means "teacher". In Portuguese, "doutor" refers to a person who has obtained a high academic degree, specifically a doctoral degree. This individual has demonstrated significant expertise and competence in a particular field of study, having completed thorough research in their specialization and presented an original dissertation.
The title "doutor" is often used to address individuals who hold a doctoral degree, such as medical doctors, professors, researchers, and scholars. In the academic context, it is customary to address professors and doctoral degree holders as "Doutor" followed by their surname. For example, to address a medical doctor, one might say "Doutor Silva" as a sign of respect and acknowledgement of their achievement in the medical field.
Furthermore, the term "doutor" can also be used as a general term to refer to a medical doctor in Portuguese-speaking countries. In this sense, it is similar to the English term "doctor", indicating a professional who has completed medical training and is qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses.
Overall, "doutor" signifies a high level of academic achievement and expertise, specifically within the context of doctoral-level education or the medical profession.
Etymology of DOUTOR
The word "doutor" comes from the Latin word "doctor", which means "teacher" or "instructor". The Latin term was used to refer to someone who had achieved the highest academic degree, usually a doctorate, and thus possessed advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular field. In Portuguese, "doutor" initially referred specifically to someone who held a doctorate degree, but over time, its meaning expanded to also include someone who is highly educated or has professional expertise. Today, "doutor" is commonly used as a courtesy title to address professionals such as medical doctors, lawyers, or professors.
