prognostic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /prɒɡˈnɒstɪk/
KK: /prɔgˈnɑstɪk/
adjective
Definition
Related to making predictions about future events, especially in a medical context.
Example
The doctor provided a prognostic assessment of the patient's recovery.
Conversation
Have you seen the latest weather report?
Yeah, they mentioned some prognostic models predicting a storm this weekend.
That sounds serious! Should we plan for it?
Definitely, better to be safe than sorry with those prognostic warnings.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
predictive
foretelling
indicative
Antonyms
unpredictive
uncertain
unrevealing
noun
Definition
A sign or indication that suggests what will happen in the future, often related to health or events.
Example
The doctor used several prognostics to determine the likely outcome of the patient's illness.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new study on health prognostics?
No, I haven't. What did it say?
It mentioned some early signs that could predict future diseases.
Root Explanation
Prognostic → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "gnostic" (from Greek "gnosis", meaning knowledge). The word refers to knowledge or predictions made before an event occurs.
Memory Tip
Think of 'before' ('pro-') and 'knowledge' ('gnostic') to remember that prognostic relates to predicting or knowing something before it happens.
Visually Confused Words
pyrognostic
pyrognostics
gnostic
pathognostic
chirognostic
pyrognomic
geognostic