prediction
Americannoun
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an act of predicting.
-
an instance of this; prophecy.
- Synonyms:
- projection, divination, prognostication, augury, forecast
noun
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the act of predicting
-
something predicted; a forecast, prophecy, etc
Usage
What does prediction mean? A prediction is a statement about what someone thinks will happen in the future. People make predictions all the time. Some are very serious and are based on scientific calculations, but many are just guesses. Example: Here’s a prediction: in 20 years, we’ll all drive less and eat a lot less meat.
Etymology
Origin of prediction
First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin praedictiōn-, stem of praedictiō “prophecy”; equivalent to predict + -ion
Explanation
I have a prediction: You’ll know what this word means by the time you finish reading this explanation. A prediction is what someone thinks will happen. A prediction is a forecast, but not only about the weather. Pre means “before” and diction has to do with talking. So a prediction is a statement about the future. It’s a guess, sometimes based on facts or evidence, but not always. A fortune teller makes a prediction using a crystal ball. A meteorologist uses maps and scientific data to tell us about the possibility of rain, snow or sunshine. And when I made the prediction that you would understand what this word meant, it was based on instinct, a gut feeling telling me what would happen next.
Vocabulary lists containing prediction
You Can Say That Again: Dic and Dict
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The Scientific Method
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List 6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While most experts are predicting this hantavirus outbreak will peter out, it’s not the kind of prediction you want to be wrong about either.
From Salon • May 11, 2026
This week, prediction markets popped up on Polymarket tracking the odds of various outcomes in Rana’s case.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026
You might not have bet on this outcome in the sports books or prediction markets: The Dodgers won.
From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026
The guidance, circulated to staff this spring, emphasizes that “you must be cautious” when using prediction markets and warns against insider trading.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Unfortunately, his prediction turned out to be off by nearly three decades.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
