diagnosis
Definitions
The identification of a disease from its signs and symptoms.
诊断（对疾病的判断）
The identification of the cause of any problem or fault.
（对问题、故障原因的）判断分析
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveddia- (through) + gnos (know) = 'knowing through.' A doctor doesn't stop at the visible symptoms — they see through them to the real cause underneath. That image of looking through to identify what's wrong is exactly what a diagnosis is, in medicine or anywhere a hidden problem must be named.
Root gnost still carries 11 more wordsUsage Guide
The plural is the irregular Greek form diagnoses (pronounced /-seez/), never 'diagnosises.' Compare the parallel pair: diagnosis (the identification) vs prognosis (the forecast of what comes next).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The doctor made a quick diagnosis and started treatment right away.
- 2.
An early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of recovery.
- 3.
The mechanic's diagnosis was a faulty fuel pump, not the engine.
Easily Confused
diagnosis vs prognosis — A diagnosis names what is wrong now (dia- through); a prognosis predicts what will happen next (pro- ahead). The doctor first diagnoses the cancer, then gives a prognosis for the next five years.