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. ); see 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

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 • Aug. 15, 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

While U.S. officials are studiously tight-lipped about the prospects of freeing Ms. Griner and Mr. Whelan, Mr. Richardson is willing to prognosticate.

From New York Times • Nov. 3, 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

“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