prognosticate

[ prog-nos-ti-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, prog·nos·ti·cat·ed, prog·nos·ti·cat·ing.

1. to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy.

   Synonyms: project, foresee, foretell

2. to be a sign or indicator of a coming event:

   An overcast Groundhog Day is supposed to prognosticate an early spring.

verb (used without object)

, prog·nos·ti·cat·ed, prog·nos·ti·cat·ing.

1. to make a forecast; prophesy.

prognosticate

/ prɒɡˈnɒstɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to foretell (future events) according to present signs or indications; prophesy
2. tr to foreshadow or portend

Derived Forms

• progˈnosticative, adjective
• progˌnostiˈcation, noun
• progˈnostiˌcator, noun

Other Words From

• prog·nos·ti·ca·tive [prog-, nos, -ti-key-tiv], prog·nos·ti·ca·to·ry [prog-, nos, -ti-k, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• prog·nos·ti·ca·tor noun
• non·prog·nos·ti·ca·tive adjective
• un·prog·nos·ti·cat·ed adjective
• un·prog·nos·ti·ca·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prognosticate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; from late Middle English, from Medieval Latin prognōsticāt(us), past participle of prognōsticāre + -ate ¹( def ); prognostic

Word History and Origins

Origin of prognosticate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin prognōsticāre to predict

Example Sentences

Each critter’s accuracy depends on how you define early spring or long winter, making the entire prognosticating business feel intentionally abstract.

From FiveThirtyEight

At the Oklahoma City Zoo, grizzly bear brothers Will and Wiley prognosticate by choosing among different boxes of treats.

From FiveThirtyEight

Yet, adopting the same lines of argument, I see no reason why cats should not prognosticate good as well as evil.

From Project Gutenberg

For no man was ever yet able to prognosticate of religion, or prophecy with the remotest degree of its future action.

From Project Gutenberg

Now as far as your love tangle appears to be, I should prognosticate—hear that word, Polly?

From Project Gutenberg

To prognosticate the desired fertility of the union, cakes of sesame were distributed.

From Project Gutenberg

If we may believe Lilly, both he and Booker did conjure and prognosticate well for their friends the Parliament.

From Project Gutenberg