gnosis
Other definitions for gnosis (2 of 2)
Origin of -gnosis
WORDS THAT USE -GNOSIS
What does -gnosis mean?
The combining form -gnosis is used like a suffix meaning “knowledge.” It is occasionally used in scientific and technical terms, especially in medicine.
The form -gnosis comes from Greek gnṓsis, meaning “a seeking to know.”
What are variants of -gnosis?
While -gnosis doesn’t have any variants, it is related to the form -gnostic, which denotes adjectives related to -gnosis, as in diagnostic. Another relative of -gnosis is the form -gnomy, as in physiognomy. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use -gnosis article.
Examples of -gnosis
One example of a word you may be familiar with that uses the form -gnosis is prognosis, “a forecasting of the probable course and outcome of a disease, especially of the chances of recovery.” The word prognosis comes from Greek prógnōsis, which uses the equivalent of -gnosis in that language.
The prefix pro- has a variety of meanings, including “before” or “prior,” from Greek pró. The form -gnosis means “knowledge,” as we have already seen. Prognosis literally translates to “prior knowledge.”
What are some words that use the combining form -gnosis?
- baragnosis
- barognosis
- diagnosis (using the equivalent form of -gnosis in Greek)
- psychognosis
- stegnosis
- topagnosis
What are some other forms that -gnosis may be commonly confused with?
Break it down!
The combining form psycho- means “psychological.” With this in mind, what does psychognosis literally mean?