Prognosis: meaning, definitions and examples
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prognosis
[prəˈɡnəʊsɪs ]
Definitions
medical
A forecast of the likely outcome of a situation, especially in terms of a disease or health condition.
Synonyms
expectation, forecast, prediction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prognosis |
Use this word mainly in medical contexts to denote the likely course or outcome of a disease. It often has a technical or serious connotation.
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| prediction |
This word is used for general predictions about the future, whether based on evidence or intuition. It can apply to a wide range of scenarios and doesn't necessarily imply scientific analysis.
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| forecast |
Often used in the context of weather, economics, or business to describe a prediction based on data or analysis. It generally conveys a formal or technical tone.
|
| expectation |
This word applies broadly to situations where someone believes or anticipates something will happen. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts and is common in everyday language.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor gave a positive prognosis for the patient's recovery.
- The prognosis for this type of cancer is generally poor.
- She received a bleak prognosis for her condition.
general
An assessment or prediction about how something is likely to develop in the future.
Synonyms
estimate, forecast, projection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prognosis |
Typically used in medical settings to describe the expected progression of a disease or condition.
|
| forecast |
Commonly used in meteorology to predict weather conditions, but can also be applied in business and economics to predict future trends.
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| projection |
Often used in business and financial contexts to predict future performance or conditions based on current data trends and assumptions.
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| estimate |
Used for giving an approximate calculation or judgement about the value, number, quantity, or extent of something, often when the exact amount is not known.
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Examples of usage
- The economic prognosis for the upcoming year is uncertain.
- What is your prognosis for the outcome of the negotiations?
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Greek, where 'pro' means 'before' and 'gnosis' means 'knowledge'.
- It was first used in English in the late 19th century, focusing mainly on health and medical predictions.
Medical Science
- Doctors use various tests and patient history to make a prognosis.
- The accuracy of a prognosis can depend on how early the disease is detected.
- Factors like age and overall health can significantly influence prognosis outcomes.
Psychology
- The way a prognosis is communicated can impact a patient’s mental health and coping mechanisms.
- Positive prognoses often motivate patients to adhere to treatment plans, while negative ones can lead to anxiety.
Pop Culture
- Prognosis frequently appears in medical dramas and films, showcasing the tension between hope and reality.
- The phrase 'not very hopeful prognosis' is often used in stories to signal trouble ahead for a character.
History
- In ancient times, prophecy and divination were used as forms of prognosis, intertwined with medical beliefs.
- Before modern medicine, symptoms were interpreted through a mystical lens, where prognosis involved spiritual considerations.
Translations
Translations of the word "prognosis" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prognóstico
🇮🇳 पूर्वानुमान
🇩🇪 Prognose
🇮🇩 prognosis
🇺🇦 прогноз
🇵🇱 prognoza
🇯🇵 予後 (よご)
🇫🇷 pronostic
🇪🇸 pronóstico
🇹🇷 prognostik
🇰🇷 예후 (yehu)
🇸🇦 تشخيص
🇨🇿 prognóza
🇸🇰 prognóza
🇨🇳 预后 (yùhòu)
🇸🇮 prognoza
🇮🇸 spá
🇰🇿 болжам
🇬🇪 პროგნოზი (progn'ozi)
🇦🇿 proqnoz
🇲🇽 pronóstico