diagnosis
dy-ug-NOH-sis
/ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnəʊ.sɪs/
The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
Refers to both the process of evaluating symptoms and the formal conclusion reached by a professional.
The story behind the word. The Greek word 'diagnōsis' literally means 'knowing apart' or discerning differences. Ancient physicians used it to describe thoroughly investigating a body's signs to distinguish one malady from another.
Word relationships
- identification: General term for determining what something is.
- assessment: The act of evaluating rather than the formal label assigned.
- misdiagnosis: An incorrect identification of a medical or psychological condition.
Commonly confused with
- prognosis: Diagnosis identifies what the disease is; prognosis predicts how it will progress.
Word family
- diagnose (verb): Identify the nature of an illness by examination.
- diagnostic (adjective): Serving to identify or distinguish a disease.
- diagnostician (noun): A specialist in making medical diagnoses.
Collocations
- differential diagnosis
- early diagnosis
- confirm a diagnosis
- dual diagnosis
Example sentences
- "An accurate clinical diagnosis required extensive blood tests and a series of psychological assessments." Medical Care
- "The diagnosis was conclusive, yet the treatment path remained subject to debate among specialists." Literature Quote
Memory hook
DIA (through) + GNOSIS (knowledge). Getting knowledge through careful thorough examination. Knowledge through thorough examination.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'prognosis', which predicts future outcomes rather than identifying present conditions.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'differential diagnosis' was coined by clinicians to systematically list and eliminate competing medical possibilities.
Explore more words
diagnostic, prognosis, assess, analyze, observation, Analysis
Also appears in
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