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

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

Krzysztof Warlikowski’s absurdist version of Verdi’s “Macbeth” in Salzburg has Lady Macbeth visit an obstetrician and discover she is infertile as sunglass-adorned witches prognosticate while wearing yellow-and-black armbands warning of radioactivity.

From Seattle Times

It may be tempting to prognosticate about the end of these concurrent strikes, but history is of little help here: Past strikes have spanned months and lasted minutes.

From Seattle Times

Though I am loath to prognosticate, I believe the GOP is going to be routed in historic fashion next year.

From Salon

Much of the chatter on far-right channels appeared to be an effort to vent or prognosticate, rather than attempt any coordinated effort.

From New York Times