diagnose

Everyday

1. To find out what illness someone has by examining them and studying their symptoms. tree →
2. To find out the cause of a problem with a machine, system or situation. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons and everyday life, doctors diagnose illnesses; a mechanic diagnoses what is wrong with a car. In stories a character may be «diagnosed with» an illness, which tells the reader it is serious. Phrases: «diagnose with», «be diagnosed with», «diagnose a problem», «diagnose the fault».

Examples

• The doctor diagnosed a broken arm. tree →
• My cousin was diagnosed with asthma. tree →
• The mechanic diagnosed a problem with the engine. tree →
• The vet diagnosed the cat with an ear infection. tree →
• It's hard to diagnose the fault without the right tools. tree →
• Tests helped the doctors diagnose her illness. tree →

Note

Noun: «diagnosis» (plural «diagnoses», pronounced «-sees»). The verb «diagnoses» is pronounced «-zez». You diagnose an illness, or diagnose a person «with» an illness. Do not diagnose yourself from the internet; ask a doctor.