C1verb2K

Diagnose

UK /["/ˈdaɪəɡnəʊz//ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊz/","/ˈdaɪəɡnəʊzɪz//ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊzɪz/","/ˈdaɪəɡnəʊzd//ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊzd/","/ˈdaɪəɡnəʊzɪŋ//ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊzɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊs/","/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪz/","/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊst/","/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to say exactly what an illness or the cause of a problem is

In simple words: To find out what is wrong with something, usually for health problems.

Examples

  • The doctor was able to diagnose the illness quickly after reviewing the symptoms.
  • Engineers diagnose problems in machinery to prevent breakdowns.
  • It took several tests to diagnose the exact cause of the patient's condition.
  • Technicians diagnose computer errors by examining the system logs.
  • Psychologists often diagnose mental health disorders based on behavioral assessments.

Usage notes

Used in medical and technical contexts; appropriate in conversations with healthcare professionals. Avoid in casual settings unless discussing health issues.

Grammar pattern

diagnose + object

Memory hint

Think of 'die' in 'diagnose' as in 'a die must be rolled to reveal the problem'.

Collocations

  • correctly
  • incorrectly
  • wrongly
  • with

Synonyms

  • identify
  • determine
  • recognize
  • ascertain
  • discern

Antonyms

  • overlook
  • ignore

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'prognose', which means to predict future outcomes.
  • Using 'diagnose' with the wrong object (e.g., saying 'diagnose a person' instead of 'diagnose a disease').