predict

[ pri-dikt ]
See synonyms for predict on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to declare or tell in advance; prophesy; foretell: to predict the weather; to predict the fall of a civilization.

verb (used without object)
  1. to foretell the future; make a prediction.

Origin of predict

1
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; see pre-, dictum

synonym study For predict

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 words for predict

Other words from predict

  • pre·dict·a·ble, adjective
  • pre·dict·a·bil·i·ty, noun
  • mis·pre·dict, verb
  • un·pre·dict·ed, adjective
  • un·pre·dict·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use predict in a sentence

  • He was quite unconscious of the fact that his friends ridiculed him, predicting all sorts of misfortunes.

    Skipper Worse | Alexander Lange Kielland
  • He made quite a snug fortune out of the cavaliers and roundheads by predicting for both parties.

  • And always Sam Carr, who had no economic illusions, urged Hollister on, predicting before long the inevitable reaction.

    The Hidden Places | Bertrand W. Sinclair
  • He finally disappeared in the Goazacoalco region, after predicting the future coming of bearded white men from the east.

  • Once he foretold the death of a neighbour, not as though he were predicting a future event, but as if recollecting a past.

British Dictionary definitions for predict

predict

/ (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

Origin of predict

1
C17: from Latin praedīcere to mention beforehand, from prae before + dīcere to say

Derived forms of predict

  • predictable, adjective
  • predictability or predictableness, noun
  • predictably, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012