second opinion

Another expert's view

A second opinion is an assessment from a different source after you've already received one, especially from another doctor regarding a diagnosis or treatment plan: I'd get a second opinion before agreeing to surgery.

The phrase implies healthy skepticism about the first judgment rather than automatic acceptance.

doubt

uncertainty

State of being unsure

hesitationDelay from uncertainty
questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
skepticismDisposition toward doubt

misgivings · reservation · qualms · wariness · reconsideration · distrust · concern · caution · reluctance · unease

consultation

diagnosis

Identification of illness

specialistExpert in one field
referralDirecting someone elsewhere
doctorLicensed medical healer

physician · expert · medical · evaluation · assessment · advice · recommendation · confirmation · verification · validation

Categories

patient rightspatient rights, informed consent, patient advocacy, patient advocate, advance directive
medicinedoctor, doctors, hospital, medicine, surgery
Medical Visitsdoctor visit, checkup, physical, annual exam, follow-up visit
verifycheck, confirm, verify, validate, authenticate
appointmentsappointment, appointees, booking, nominations, nominees
do-oversdo-over, redo, retry, mulligan, another shot

Opposites

epistemic stance

second opinionblind trust

Complete unquestioning confidence

blind faith · taking at face value · credulity · deference · faith

decision-making approach

second opinionsnap judgment

Rapid evaluation without deliberation

hasty decision · impulse · knee-jerk reaction · quick fix

primacy of assessment

second opinionfirst impression

Instant assessment of someone

Family

second, opinion, secondary, seconds, opinionated, second-hand, secondarily, second-guess, second opinions

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G