* "pro": meaning "before" or "forward"
* "gnosticari": meaning "to know" or "to recognize"
Therefore, "prognosticari" literally meant "to know beforehand," which is exactly what the word "prognosticate" means today.
The word was adopted into English in the 16th century, initially meaning to predict or foretell, especially regarding future events. However, its usage gradually expanded to include the broader meaning of predicting any outcome, even in less formal contexts.
So, the origins of the word "prognosticate" lie in the ancient Latin language, reflecting the human desire to understand and predict the future.