Panacea
Word of the Day
What is Panacea?
noun
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to caution against silver bullets in policy, technology, and personal growth.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
There is no panacea for climate change.
The app was marketed as a panacea for productivity woes.
Education alone is not a panacea, but it is essential.
Word Origins
Greek panákeia “all-healing,” from pan- (all) + ákos (cure)
In myth, Panacea was the goddess of universal remedy; the term became figurative for false cure-alls.
First appearance in English: 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
He pitched the gadget as a cure-all.
-
Noun:
They searched for an elixir of life.
-
Noun:
The remedy addressed only symptoms.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: panacea
- French: panacée
- German: Allheilmittel
- Italian: panacea
- Portuguese: panaceia
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Palliative
Eases symptoms; not a panacea.
Solvent
Financial “solvent” is unrelated; false friend.
Fix-all
Informal synonym; “panacea” is formal and often skeptical.
Fun Facts
- Medieval alchemists sought a panacea alongside the philosopher’s stone.
- Pharmaceutical branding sometimes nods to Panacea’s name.
Cultural Usage
- Panacea, daughter of Asclepius, personified universal healing.
- Analysts warn against panacea thinking in complex systems.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes misused as a positive claim; often used skeptically.
Micro Story
Universal basic income is no panacea, though it may help some issues.