Diagnosis
UK /["/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs/","/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsiːz/"]/US /["/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs/","/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsiːz/"]/
Definition
the act of discovering or identifying the exact cause of an illness or a problem
In simple words: The process of finding out what illness someone has.
Examples
- a diagnosis of lung cancer
- They are waiting for the doctor's diagnosis.
- An accurate **diagnosis was made** after a series of tests.
- They are using new methods of diagnosis.
- Further tests have confirmed the diagnosis.
- Patients may suffer from some of the symptoms years before diagnosis.
- The doctor cannot give a diagnosis without knowing the full medical history.
- Without the results of the blood test, the doctor could only make a tentative diagnosis.
- clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia
- the diagnosis of the disease
Usage notes
Used mainly in medical contexts. Suitable when discussing health issues. Avoid using in casual conversations unless discussing health with friends.
Grammar pattern
diagnosis + of + illness
Memory hint
Think of 'die' and 'nose' - imagine diagnosing a nose problem.
Collocations
- accurate
- correct
- right
- establish
- give
- make
- after diagnosis
- before diagnosis
- diagnosis of
- a method of diagnosis
Synonyms
- identification
- assessment
- determination
- evaluation
- examination
Antonyms
- cure
- health
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'diagnostic', which refers to relating to diagnosis.
- Using 'diagnosis' as a verb; it's a noun.
- Not specifying the illness after the term, leading to vagueness.