Word
case history
Definition
compound. a record of a person's past, especially their medical or social background, used to help treat or understand them.
compound. a detailed record of the background and relevant past experiences of a person or group under medical, psychiatric, or social investigation.
Examples
“The doctor studied the patient's case history before the surgery.”
“To provide the right support, the social worker needed to compile a full case history of the family's situation.”
“The researcher meticulously documented each subject's case history to identify recurring patterns in the development of the rare condition.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor studied the patient's case history before the surgery.”
contextual
“To provide the right support, the social worker needed to compile a full case history of the family's situation.”
complex
“The researcher meticulously documented each subject's case history to identify recurring patterns in the development of the rare condition.”
Usage
commonly used in medical, legal, and social work contexts.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'medical records'; a case history is often a narrative summary of a specific problem's development rather than just a list of appointments.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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