prognosis
prog-NOH-sis
/prɒɡˈnəʊsɪs/
A forecast of the likely course of a disease or ailment.
Differs from 'diagnosis' (identifying the disease) by focusing on the future outcome.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'pro' (before) and 'gnosis' (knowledge). It literally means 'knowing beforehand.' It reflects the doctor's attempt to see into the future of the patient's health.
Word relationships
- outlook: A more general, less clinical term.
- prediction: A very broad term not specific to medicine.
Commonly confused with
- diagnosis: Diagnosis is identifying the problem; prognosis is predicting the outcome.
Word family
- prognostic (adjective): Relating to a prognosis.
Collocations
- favorable prognosis
- guarded prognosis
- poor prognosis
Example sentences
- "The veterinarian gave a positive prognosis, expecting a full recovery within two weeks." Medical update.
- "Given the cat's age, the prognosis for the surgery was guarded." Serious illness.
Memory hook
A 'PRO' (professional) gives their 'GNOSIS' (knowledge) about the future. Knowing before it happens.
When not to use
Do not use when you are identifying what the disease is; use 'diagnosis' for that.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, prognosis was often based as much on astrology as on physical symptoms.
Related words
Explore more words
diagnosis, forecast, predict, prophylactic, prophecy, diagnostic
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