prognosticate

[prog-nos-ti-keyt]

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.

verb (used without object)

prognosticated, prognosticating 

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

Other Word Forms

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

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

They would run a bookstore, give painting lessons, and assume Madame Ionesco’s bakehouse duties when she was off prognosticating, for they had surely learned a thing or two about baking while in Frankenforde.

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“A bit, yes. She’s usually busy prognosticating all over the neighborhood. You’d be amazed what people will pay for a glimpse of the Great Unknown.”

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I try not to read any of the stuff, the prognosticating.

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Remember way back to, say, three weeks ago, when the media and pollsters were prognosticating that Black men were leaving Harris for the other side?

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Relying on polls and the prognosticating reputation of their Washington correspondent, editors announced the victory of Republican New York Gov. Thomas Dewey over the incumbent president, Democrat Harry S. Truman.

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