predict

American  

[pri-dikt] / prɪˈdɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to declare or tell in advance; prophesy; foretell.

   to predict the weather; to predict the fall of a civilization.

   Synonyms:

   portend, prognosticate, project, augur, divine, presage

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verb (used without object)

1. to foretell the future; make a prediction.

   Synonyms:

   portend, prognosticate, project, augur, divine, presage

predict British  

/ prɪˈdɪkt /

verb

1. (tr; may take a clause as object) to state or make a declaration about in advance, esp on a reasoned basis; foretell

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Related Words

Predict, prophesy, foresee, forecast mean to know or tell (usually correctly) beforehand what will happen. To predict is usually to foretell with precision of calculation, knowledge, or shrewd inference from facts or experience: The astronomers can predict an eclipse; it may, however, be used without the implication of underlying knowledge or expertise: I predict she'll be a success at the party. Prophesy usually means to predict future events by the aid of divine or supernatural inspiration: Merlin prophesied the two knights would meet in conflict; this verb, too, may be used in a more general, less specific sense. I prophesy he'll be back in the old job. To foresee refers specifically not to the uttering of predictions but to the mental act of seeing ahead; there is often (but not always) a practical implication of preparing for what will happen: He was clever enough to foresee this shortage of materials. Forecast has much the same meaning as predict; it is used today particularly of the weather and other phenomena that cannot easily be accurately predicted: Rain and snow are forecast for tonight. Economists forecast a rise in family income.

Other Word Forms

• mispredict verb
• predictability noun
• predictable adjective
• predictably adverb
• unpredicted adjective
• unpredicting adjective

Etymology

Origin of predict

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedīcere “to foretell,” equivalent to prae- “before, earlier” + dic-, variant stem of dīcere “to say” + -tus past participle suffix; pre-, dictum

Example Sentences

"Can we find mechanisms to explain the findings and signatures that might help predict patients who will respond to the diet?"

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Richard's prediction: This is a tough game to call, the hardest tie to predict.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Now, some predict the constellation of rulings could change the fate of social media and rewrite the future of American tort law.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Cavill co-founded a company that uses a wristband to predict women’s hot flashes, paired with a cooling mattress pad, so she knows a thing or two about sensors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

The problem for the Aristotelians was that they could not fashion an explanation that would successfully predict the outcome of the Puy-de-Dôme experiment.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• anticipate
• call
• conclude
• envision
• forecast
• foresee
• think