Reading Theme:
Get a Second Opinion: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：consult another doctor (get a second opinion)
get a second opinion
/ɡɛt ə ˈsɛkənd əˈpɪnjən/
v. phrase
To ask another doctor for their advice about your illness or treatment, to make sure the first advice is correct.
consult another doctor
➕
/kənˈsʌlt əˈnʌðər ˈdɑːktər/
v. phrase
To seek advice from a second medical professional to confirm or challenge a diagnosis or treatment plan.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Get (obtain) + second (alternative) + opinion (view). The phrase means seeking an additional expert assessment.
💡 Mnemonic
Second opinion = second chance for truth: don't settle for one view when health or big decisions are at stake.
📖 Example
After the doctor suggested surgery for my knee pain, I decided to get a second opinion from a specialist in sports medicine.
After the doctor suggested surgery for my knee pain, I decided to get a second opinion from a specialist in sports medicine.
🔗 Collocations
seek a second opinion – to request another professional assessment
get a second opinion from – to obtain alternative advice from someone
offer a second opinion – to provide an additional expert view
🔄 Synonyms
consult another expert (v. phrase) – to ask a different specialist for their opinion
ask for a second opinion (v. phrase) – to request an alternative medical assessment
get a different viewpoint (v. phrase) – to obtain a perspective from another person
🚫 Antonyms
accept the initial diagnosis (v. phrase) – to trust the first doctor's opinion without questioning
rely on one opinion (v. phrase) – to base decisions on a single source of advice
📖 Cultural Story
The practice of seeking a second opinion originated in the medical field during the 20th century as a patient right to ensure accurate diagnosis. It became a standard healthcare protocol, especially for serious conditions.
Meaning 2：seek external advice (get a second opinion)
get a second opinion
/ɡɛt ə ˈsɛkənd əˈpɪnjən/
v. phrase
To ask someone else for their thoughts before you make an important decision, to help you choose wisely.
seek external advice
➕
/siːk ɪkˈstɜːrnl ædˈvaɪs/
v. phrase
To ask different people for their opinions before making an important decision to ensure a well-informed choice.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I've designed a logo for our new project, but I'd like to get a second opinion from the marketing team before we finalize it.
I've designed a logo for our new project, but I'd like to get a second opinion from the marketing team before we finalize it.
🔗 Collocations
get a second opinion on – to request feedback about a particular matter
ask for a second opinion – to solicit alternative perspectives
offer a second opinion – to provide additional advice voluntarily
🔄 Synonyms
consult others (v. phrase) – to seek input from other people
get another perspective (v. phrase) – to obtain a different point of view
ask for feedback (v. phrase) – to request comments or critique
🚫 Antonyms
make a decision alone (v. phrase) – to decide without consulting anyone else
trust your own judgment (v. phrase) – to rely solely on personal insight
Wordbook
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