Prescrevo

Prescrevo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Portuguese verb prescrever, meaning to prescribe or authorize a treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is used by speakers who themselves perform prescribing actions in professional contexts, typically healthcare providers such as physicians, dentists, or veterinarians, when describing their current action.

Etymology and meaning: The verb prescrever derives from Late Latin praescribere, from prae- “before” and scribere “to write.” Historically, the form referred to setting down what must be written in advance, which evolved into the contemporary sense of prescribing or ordering a treatment.

Grammatical notes: The present indicative forms are eu prescrevo, tu prescreves, ele/ela prescreve, nós prescrevemos, vós prescreveis, eles/elas prescrevem. In everyday usage, the second-person forms align with regional conventions, and in Brazilian Portuguese the form you-prescribes (você) corresponds to prescreve. The verb also forms subjunctive and imperative paradigms, as in que eu prescreva or prescreva, and the imperative forms used in direct orders or recommendations (prescreve, prescreva).

Usage and context: Prescrevo commonly appears in medical records, prescriptions, clinical notes, and professional dialogue where the speaker identifies as the prescriber. While primarily a clinical term, it can also occur in legal or administrative documents involving health care, where a practitioner states their prescription or authorization.

See also: prescrever, prescrição, prescrição médica, prescription in medical contexts.