prognosticate

American  

[prog-nos-ti-keyt] / prɒgˈnɒs tɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

prognosticated, prognosticating

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.

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verb (used without object)

prognosticated, prognosticating

1. to make a forecast; prophesy.

prognosticate British  

/ prɒɡˈnɒstɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to foretell (future events) according to present signs or indications; prophesy

2. (tr) to foreshadow or portend

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Other Word Forms

• nonprognosticative adjective
• prognostication noun
• prognosticative adjective
• prognosticator noun
• prognosticatory adjective
• unprognosticated adjective
• unprognosticative adjective

Etymology

Origin of prognosticate

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

Explanation

To prognosticate means to predict something or at least hint at what will happen in the future. When a lot of natural disasters start happening close together, you might prognosticate that the world is ending, a prediction that's actually thousands of years old. From the Latin prognosticāre, meaning "make a prediction," the verb prognosticate means to foretell or predict what is coming. While a fortuneteller or palm reader might claim special powers for seeing into the future, you can prognosticate by looking at real evidence and making a reasonable conclusion about how events will unfold. Sometimes, though, what you prognosticate from a dream or a fortune-cookie message ends up happening too, which is less reasonable but pretty neat — unless the world really does end.

Example Sentences

Because of his stature in Silicon Valley, Dr. Moore was often called on to prognosticate about the future of science and technology.

From Washington Post • Mar. 24, 2023

“It’s a dangerous game to prognosticate on how elections are going to turn out before they are held,” he said.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2022

I’d love to prognosticate that the rebrand will be a failure and that humans will see though this massive public relations pivot.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2021

“Until the pandemic is genuinely behind us, I don’t think that you can prognosticate about what the future of cinema is going to be,” says Rothman.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2021

“Dear mountains! my own beautiful lake! how do you welcome your wanderer? Your summits are clear; the sky and lake are blue and placid. Is this to prognosticate peace, or to mock at my unhappiness?”

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley