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

Example Sentences

I’m not asking you to prognosticate, we know better than that on this show, but was your sense that this kind of extreme anti-government argument was not flying with the bulk of the court?

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2023

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 cannot prognosticate on that, but BLM has managed to be effective for a startling amount of time without one central leader.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 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