Copyright: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee: Pirogov University.
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Euphemisms in medical discourse: the role of the latin language and ethical aspects of communication

Krotova MA
About authors

Yaroslavl State Medical University, Yaroslavl, Russia

Correspondence should be addressed: Marina A. Krotova
Revolutsionnaya Str., 5, Yaroslavl, 150000, Россия; ur.liam@aniram-avotork

Received: 2026-06-20 Accepted: 2026-06-25 Published online: 2026-07-06
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Euphemisms in medical discourse ensure professionally and ethically sound doctor-patient communication. They are used to replace words and phrases that have a negative and undesirable connotation or appeal to foul language with neutral expressions. The basic areas of their common use are presented; the topics of medical discourse subject to euphemization and the objectives of using euphemisms in doctor-patient communication following the principles of deontology are highlighted. The professional medical language with Latin medical and clinical terms can serve as a means of euphemization. Thus, the issue should be explored to develop the linguistic worldview and communication culture among the future physicians and to communicate with the patient effectively.

Keywords: deontology, euphemism, medical discourse, Latin language, medical terminology, speech ethics

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