About "prognosis"

[Zishuli]

This is a question in test # TOEFL/ M19: ( Asking for its meaning of the given word )

7. n. prognosis

(a) inexperienced person; beginner
(b) embankment used as a fortification; an idea; object serving as a protection
(c) assumption made for the sake of argument; supposition
(d) assessment; evaluation of prospects

The given answer is (d) "assessment; evaluation of prospects".
According to the dictionary I have looked up, the definition of " prognosis" is as below:
1. A prediction of the course or outcome of a disease or disorder.
The chances of recovery from a disease

2. Any forecast or prediction

This explanation doesn't match the provided answer.

TOEFL listening discussions: Why has the student been taking statistics?

[Gray]

Let me see your progress report..."Zishuli is number 4 out of 4808 learners". Oh, and you are truely honest with your profession ;)
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[Zishuli]

[Gray]

When did I say that you don't? And it was congruous instead, not ironical :)

By the way, what do you edit?
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[Zishuli]

[Gray]

You edit others' writings or do you write and then edit yours? I hope, I am not interrupting you with your vocabulary practice by asking so many questions ;)
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[Zishuli]

[Gray]

Why don't you call yourself writer then?
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[Zishuli]

[Gray]

[Zishuli]

[Gray]

Good reader should himself be curious enough to get convinced by the writer's invite.

( that was a real editor in red ;) )
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First lesson - English, not english. I, not i. ~A student of English

[Esl_Expert]

Hello Zishuli,

Being an editor is an honorable profession, so don't ever let the critics get you down.
Why, even best-selling authors have editors. :wink:

As regards your initial question, the definitions you posted are more precise than what is given in the test. The word "prognosis" always refers to some sort of prediction. In other words, it refers to the future. The word "assessment" typically refers to an evaluation or judgment of the current value, worth or status of something. I'd say "evaluation of prospects" is closer in meaning because "prospects" suggests the future.

[Zishuli]

[Zishuli]