Ever been in an awkward situation where someone cuts in while you’re speaking only to correct you? There have been so many instances where we use two similar words interchangeably. And later find out that the meaning was poles apart. 

There are many words we use every day without knowing the real meaning of it. “Half-truth is more dangerous than a whole lie.” This saying applies to the world of words. Using a word without knowing its context and meaning makes it worse. 

A perfect example of a word mix-up would be that of Chemists & Pharmacists. Very often, we find medical stores with the wording “chemists”. 

But the two terms couldn’t be further apart from each other in terms of their meaning.

Meaning of A Chemist

Chemist means a person who specialises in the study of molecules. The job is the one that studies the properties of physical science. They have to analyse the relatability of molecules and compounds. He combines different molecules to study their reactions in a controlled environment.

He uses his knowledge mainly in the field of medication. He aligns many compounds into one to study the given drug development. His knowledge allows pharma companies to manufacture medicine and administer them. The medication management approves a chemist with a license to study the medication. 

Meaning of A Pharmacist

A pharmacist is a person who sells these medicines. He maintains & keeps a stock of all the medication. He has a registered pharmacy under his name and is fully authorised to sell all kinds of medicine to the general public. 

The place where a pharmacist stores the medicines is commonly known as a pharmacy or a drugstore. He can sell medications based on a legal medical practitioner’s prescription. He can sell general as well as specific medicines to the general public. Local compounding pharmacies aim to provide personalised service, thereby increasing consumer satisfaction by catering to personal needs.

A pharmacist is not legally authorised to manufacture any kind of medication. He is only given a license to sell the medicines provided to him once a doctors prescription is provided. If he tries indulging in fraudulent activities, it could result in the cancellation of his license. 

Why Do We Use These Terms Interchangeably?

The confusion of both these terms is rooted in their origin. Both these terms are interchangeably used as they are related to medicines. Both words have origin based on medication. They also have close job roles. For example, a chemist manufactures a medicine & a pharmacist sells it. While their job roles are not interchangeable, they are successive. 

Without a chemist, a pharmacist would not have medicines to sell. The work of the pharmacist is to help every single customer in every aspect possible.

Therefore, because of the closeness, these words are often used interchangeably. These words often cover each other’s meaning, but that does not absolve them of their own meanings. These words should have their context and meaning. 

Conclusion 

After knowing about both chemists and pharmacists, now you can use them correctly. Always know the correct meaning and usage of the word before actually using it. This way, you can always save yourself from embarrassment.