prognoses

The doctor discussed the patient's prognoses with the family.

Definition

1. Noun (plural form of ):
   • Medical prediction: "Prognoses" refers to the plural of "prognosis," which means a forecast of the likely course or outcome of a disease or medical condition. It is a formal medical term used to describe doctors' informed predictions about how a patient's illness will progress.
   • General forecast: In broader usage, "prognoses" can also mean any predictions or forecasts about future developments, such as in economics, business, or weather.

Usage Examples

• Medical context:

  • The doctors discussed the prognoses for the patients in the intensive care unit. (The doctors talked about the predicted outcomes of the illnesses.)
  • The prognoses were optimistic for most of the cancer patients. (The forecasts for recovery were hopeful.)

• General context:

  • The economic prognoses for the next quarter are not encouraging. (The predictions about the economy are negative.)
  • Weather prognoses suggest a mild winter this year. (The forecasts for weather indicate a gentle winter.)

Advanced Usage

• "To give a prognosis": to provide a medical or general forecast.

  • The specialist gave a careful prognosis for the patient's recovery. (The expert offered a detailed prediction.)

• "Poor prognosis": a negative or unfavorable forecast.

  • The initial tests indicated a poor prognosis. (The results suggested a bad outcome.)

• "Long-term prognoses": predictions extending over a significant period.

  • Long-term prognoses for climate change remain uncertain. (Forecasts far into the future are not definite.)

Variants and Related Words

• Prognosis (n, singular): the singular form of "prognoses."

  • The doctor gave a favorable prognosis. (The doctor predicted a good outcome.)

• Prognostic (adj): relating to or serving as a prediction.

  • The prognostic signs were encouraging. (The predictive indicators were positive.)

• Prognosticate (v): to predict or forecast something.

  • Experts prognosticate a rise in global temperatures. (Experts predict an increase.)

Synonyms

• Forecasts: predictions about future events.
• Predictions: statements about what will happen.
• Projections: estimates of future trends or outcomes.

Related Idioms

• "Read the tea leaves": to make predictions based on interpreting signs (informal).

  • Economists are trying to read the tea leaves for next year's market. (They are attempting to predict market behavior.)

• "Crystal ball": a metaphorical tool for predicting the future.

  • No one has a crystal ball for accurate prognoses. (No one can perfectly predict outcomes.)