Prognosis
/prɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/
Definitions
2 meaningsA forecast of the probable course and outcome of a disease or situation.
/prɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/
A forecast of the likely course of a disease or ailment.
The doctor's prognosis was that the patient would recover within a few weeks.
💡 Simply: Imagine a doctor telling you how your sickness might go – will you get better soon, or will it take a while? That prediction is a prognosis! If your car broke, a mechanic would give you a prognosis about the car too.
👶 For kids: It's like when a doctor tells you what they think will happen to your body if you are sick.
More Examples
Based on the symptoms, the prognosis for the illness seemed uncertain.
A poor prognosis can be difficult for patients and their families.
How It's Used
"The doctor gave a positive prognosis for the patient's recovery."
"Economists offered varying prognoses for the country's financial future."
An estimate of the future situation of something.
/prɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/
The analyst provided a positive prognosis for the company's growth.
💡 Simply: Imagine an expert telling you what the future looks like, whether it's the weather, your finances or business prospects, that is a prognosis.
👶 For kids: Like when a grown up tells you what's going to happen in the future.
More Examples
The meteorologist offered a detailed prognosis for the upcoming weather patterns.
She provided a prognosis of the global impact from the latest business deal.
How It's Used
"The economist offered a dire prognosis for the economy."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Greek *prógnōsis* ('foreknowledge'), from *pro-* ('before') + *gnōsis* ('knowledge'). Initially used in a medical context.
Initially used primarily in medical contexts, the word's application has expanded over time to include forecasts in other fields.
Memory tip
Think of 'pro' (before) and 'gnosis' (knowledge). It's the knowledge of what's *before* happening.
Word Origin
"foreknowledge, a knowing beforehand"