Prognosis

Noun

Definition: The likely course or outcome of a medical condition.

Synonyms: Forecast, Prediction, Expectation, Outlook

Antonyms: Uncertainty, Unpredictability

Examples:

The doctor gave a positive prognosis for her recovery.
The prognosis for terminal cancer patients is usually poor.

Mnemonics:

"Pro-gnosis" - "pro" meaning in favor of or in support of, and "gnosis" meaning knowledge or understanding, so prognosis implies a prediction or knowledge about the future course of a medical condition.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "prognosis" comes from the Greek word "prognōsis," which combines "pro" (meaning before) and "gnōsis" (meaning knowledge). It was first used in the English language in the 1650s.

Historical Usage:

The term "prognosis" has been used mainly in the medical field to describe the expected outcome of a disease or condition.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Guarded prognosis"

Explanation:

Refers to a prognosis that is uncertain or reserved, often indicating a more serious or complicated medical condition.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "prognosis" interchangeably with "diagnosis."

Explanation:

While "diagnosis" refers to identifying a disease or condition, "prognosis" specifically refers to predicting the course or outcome of that condition. They are distinct terms with different meanings in the medical field.