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

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?

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

For more nomination predictions, you can check out Times awards columnist Glenn Whipp’s final picks or see what the Envelope’s Buzzmeter panel has prognosticated.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts say it’s no coincidence that the flurry of doomed prognosticating about Gen Alpha emerged just as the oldest were entering puberty, the developmental apex of obnoxious behavior and poor taste.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, Huth readily admits the value of dystopian prognosticating, and hopes it will continue.

From Salon