What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prognosticate
Example
The meteorologist prognosticated that there would be heavy rain tomorrow. [prognosticated: verb]
Example
The doctor prognosticated a full recovery for the patient. [prognosticated: past tense]
predict
Example
I predict that the home team will win the game tonight. [predict: verb]
Example
The economist predicted a recession in the coming months. [predicted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Predict is more commonly used than prognosticate in everyday language. Predict is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prognosticate is less common and typically used in specific fields or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prognosticate and predict?
Prognosticate is more formal and academic than predict, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Therefore, prognosticate is more appropriate for formal or academic writing, while predict is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
