What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Prophesize vs Prognosticate - What's the difference?

prophesize | prognosticate |

As verbs the difference between prophesize and prognosticate

is that prophesize is (proscribed) to prophesy while prognosticate is to predict or forecast, especially through the application of skill.

prophesize

English

Alternative forms

* prophesise

Verb

(prophesiz)
  • (proscribed) To prophesy
  • Usage notes

    *The use of this word is frowned upon by many authorities including the Columbia Guide to Standard American English . [http://www.bartleby.com/68/32/4832.html]

    prognosticate

    English

    Verb

    (prognosticat)
  • To predict or forecast, especially through the application of skill.
  • Examining the tea-leaves, she prognosticated dark days ahead.
  • To presage, betoken.
  • The bluebells may prognosticate an early spring this year.

    Quotations

    {{timeline, 1500s=1598, 1800s=1847, 1900s=1915}} * 1598 — *: But from thine eyes my knowledge I derive,
    And constant stars in them I read such art
    As 'Truth and beauty shall together thrive,
    If from thyself, to store thou wouldst convert';
    Or else of thee this I prognosticate :
    'Thy end is truth's and beauty's doom and date.' * *: ...to-morrow I intend lengthening the night till afternoon. I prognosticate for myself an obstinate cold, at least. * 1915 — , Voyage Out ch. 2 *: All old people and many sick people were drawn, were it only for a foot or two, into the open air, and prognosticated pleasant things about the course of the world.

    Synonyms

    * presage, prophesy, foretell