diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
Examples
In a meeting
“Before we propose solutions, we need to diagnose the root cause of the churn.”
Over coffee
“I spent an hour trying to diagnose why the Wi-Fi kept dropping.”
Why this word
identify
diagnose implies analyzing symptoms to determine underlying cause, while identify is simply recognizing what something is
determine
diagnose specifically means identifying problems through systematic analysis, while determine is reaching any conclusion
find
diagnose emphasizes analytical process of discovering root cause, while find is simply locating
Usage tip
Used well beyond medicine. You can diagnose problems in systems, processes, or relationships. Emphasizes understanding before fixing.
Etymology
Greek diagnoskein — dia (through, apart) + gignoskein (to know, recognize)
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Related words
circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
distinguish
To recognize or identify the difference between things
reconcile
Make two conflicting things compatible or resolve a disagreement
recourse
A source of help or option available in a difficult situation