Definition

Noun: 1. A prediction or forecast about a future event: A statement about what is likely to happen in the future. 2. The act or practice of making such predictions: The process of foretelling or prophesying future events. 3. An omen or sign interpreted as indicating a future event: A phenomenon or occurrence believed to portend what is to come.

Examples of Usage

• As a prediction:
  • The economist's gloomy prognostication about a recession proved to be accurate.
  • Her prognostication was that the team would win by a narrow margin.
• As the act of predicting:
  • The ancient art of prognostication often involved studying the stars.
  • We should rely on data, not mere prognostication, for our business plan.
• As an omen:
  • The sudden flight of birds was seen as a prognostication of the coming storm.
  • In some cultures, a black cat crossing your path is considered a bad prognostication.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a prognostication": To formally state a prediction.
  • The analyst made a bold prognostication about the future of the technology sector.
• "A prognostication of/that...": Used to specify the content of the prediction.
  • His speech contained a dire prognostication of societal collapse.
  • We ignored her prognostication that the project would fail.

Variants and Related Words

• Prognosticate (verb): To predict or foretell a future event.
  • It is difficult to prognosticate the long-term effects of this policy.
• Prognosticator (noun): A person who makes predictions.
  • The self-proclaimed prognosticator's forecasts were rarely correct.
• Prognostic (adjective): Relating to or serving as a prediction of a future outcome.
  • The patient's fever is a poor prognostic sign.

Synonyms

• Prediction: A statement about what will happen.
• Forecast: A calculation or estimate of a future event, often based on data.
• Prophecy: A prediction, often one believed to be divinely inspired.
• Augury: The practice of interpreting omens to predict the future.

Related Phrases

• Harbinger of things to come: A person or thing that signals the approach of something.
  • The early success of the product was a harbinger of things to come for the company.
• Crystal ball gazing: Making predictions, especially in a speculative or uncertain way (idiomatic).
  • Trying to predict election results a year in advance is just crystal ball gazing.

Noun

1. knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
2. a statement made about the future
3. a sign of something about to happen
   • he looked for an omen before going into battle