predict

/prɪˈdɪkt/

Say it: pri-DIKT

1. verb To say that an event or action will happen in the future, especially as a result of knowledge or evidence.
Based on the dark clouds, I predict it's going to rain soon.
2. verb To state what will happen under specific conditions, based on a scientific theory, model, or calculation.
Einstein's theory of relativity predicts that gravity can bend light.

📖 Seen in the wild

Meteorologists predict heavy rainfall for the weekend.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ predict in a sentence

It is difficult to predict how the jury will decide.
Economists predict a slow recovery for the housing market.
The new software helps us predict customer behavior with surprising accuracy.
No one could have predicted the final score of the game.
She confidently predicted that her startup would be profitable within two years.
The ancient astronomer's model failed to predict the eclipse.
Can you predict his next move?

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

forecast foretell prophesy prognosticate anticipate foresee augur project

forecast · implies a systematic process using data, as with weather or economics.

foretell · suggests a more mysterious or prophetic ability, not necessarily based on evidence.

prophesy · strongly implies divine inspiration or supernatural insight.

prognosticate · a more formal and technical term, often used for complex analyses.

Opposites: recount, describe, report, retrodict

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'predict' comes to us from the Latin 'praedicere', which breaks down into 'prae' (before) and 'dicere' (to say). So, at its core, it literally means 'to say before'. This original meaning has remained remarkably stable over the centuries, referring to the act of stating something before it happens.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

predict the outcomeaccurately predictdifficult to predictscientists predictanalysts predict

'Predict' is a straightforward word for stating a future event. Don't confuse it with 'anticipate', which means to expect something and often implies preparing for it. You might predict rain, but you anticipate the need for an umbrella. While 'predict' is neutral, synonyms like 'foretell' and 'prophesy' carry connotations of magic or divine revelation.

Word family: prediction, predictable, unpredictable, predictor, predictive, predictability

💬 Quick answers

What does 'predict' mean?

To predict means to declare or estimate that a specific event will happen in the future, usually based on some form of evidence, experience, or reasoning.

What is the difference between 'predict' and 'forecast'?

'Predict' is a general term for saying what will happen. 'Forecast' is more specific, often implying a systematic process using data, such as in weather forecasting or economic forecasting.

What is the noun for 'predict'?

The noun form is 'prediction,' which refers to the statement or act of predicting something.

Is 'predict' a formal word?

'Predict' is a neutral word that is appropriate for both formal and informal situations, from scientific papers to everyday conversation.

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