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Diagnose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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diagnose

[ˈdaɪəɡˌnoʊz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To identify the nature of an illness or other problem by examining the symptoms and signs. It involves analyzing the patient's medical history, conducting tests, and making a diagnosis.

Synonyms

detect, determine, identify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diagnose

Used primarily in medical settings to identify diseases or medical conditions.

  • The doctor will diagnose the patient with pneumonia after conducting several tests.
  • It took weeks to diagnose the rare condition accurately.
identify

Used when recognizing or establishing the identity of someone or something, often used in a broader set of contexts compared to 'diagnose'.

  • Police were able to identify the suspect from the surveillance footage.
  • Scientists need to identify new species based on their unique characteristics.
determine

Used when figuring out or establishing facts or information through analysis or research.

  • The laboratory tests will determine the chemical composition of the sample.
  • It's important to determine the cause of the error before proceeding.
detect

Used to indicate the discovery of something that may not be immediately obvious, often through investigation or use of technology.

  • The security system can detect any intruders entering the premises.
  • Early screening can help detect cancer in its initial stages.

Examples of usage

  • Her doctor was able to diagnose her condition quickly.
  • After running several tests, the medical team was finally able to diagnose the cause of his symptoms.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To recognize a particular disease or problem by examining the symptoms.

Synonyms

discern, recognize, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diagnose

Used in medical or technical contexts to identify a disease or problem after careful analysis.

  • The doctor was able to diagnose the patient's illness with a blood test.
  • Technicians worked tirelessly to diagnose the issue with the server.
recognize

Often used to identify someone or something from previous knowledge or experience.

  • I couldn't recognize him because of his new hairstyle.
  • She is able to recognize most of the birds in this region by their calls.
discern

Used to describe the ability to see or understand something that is not immediately obvious, often requiring keen insight.

  • She could barely discern the outline of the building through the fog.
  • It's important to discern the underlying motives behind his actions.
spot

Typically used to notice or identify something or someone quickly, often in a casual or informal setting.

  • Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?
  • She was able to spot her friend in the crowd immediately.

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic was able to diagnose the issue with the engine just by listening to the sound it made.
  • It took a while for the specialist to diagnose the rare condition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • The process often involves evaluating symptoms, conducting tests, and utilizing medical imaging to reach a conclusion.
  • Advanced technology, such as AI and machine learning, has started to assist doctors in making quicker and more accurate diagnoses.
  • Misdiagnosis is a significant issue in healthcare, often leading to ineffective treatments or unnecessary procedures.

Psychology

  • In psychology, diagnosing conditions helps therapists create the right treatment plans for patients, supporting better mental health outcomes.
  • The DSM-5 is a crucial guide that mental health professionals use to diagnose psychological disorders.
  • Awareness of biases in diagnosis is critical to ensure fair and just treatment for all patients.

Technology

  • Diagnostic tools have evolved from basic observation methods to complex, software-based systems that analyze data collected from patients.
  • Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, can now help users diagnose health issues in real-time by monitoring vital signs.
  • Telemedicine has introduced remote diagnosing, enabling patients to receive expert opinions without needing to visit a clinic.

Education

  • In educational settings, teachers may diagnose learning disabilities to provide appropriate support for students.
  • Standardized testing can sometimes be used to diagnose areas where students struggle, aiding targeted teaching strategies.
  • Formative assessments help educators diagnose students' understanding continuously, rather than relying solely on final exams.

Origin of 'diagnose'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'diagnōsis', which means 'to distinguish' or 'to know'.
  • In its early uses, the term was applied to both medical and non-medical contexts, highlighting its broad utility in problem-solving.
  • Over time, it became more closely associated with medicine as physicians began using it to describe the process of identifying diseases.

The word 'diagnose' originates from the Greek word 'diagnōsis', which means 'discrimination' or 'distinguishing'. The concept of diagnosing illnesses has been crucial in medicine for centuries, evolving with advancements in technology and knowledge.

See also: undiagnosed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,936, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.