prediction

American  

[pri-dik-shuhn] / prɪˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

• predictions
  plural

1. 

   an act of predicting.

2. an instance of this; prophecy.

   Synonyms:

   projection, divination, prognostication, augury, forecast

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prediction British  

/ prɪˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the act of predicting

2. something predicted; a forecast, prophecy, etc

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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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• predictions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of prediction

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin praedictiōn-, stem of praedictiō “prophecy”; equivalent to predict + -ion

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prediction predictions

And in a game where the group often latches on to any conspicuous sign of questionable behaviour, Acaster's prediction was confirmed.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

Hinojosa’s chance of winning was around 25% on Thursday after hitting a new high of 27% earlier this month, according to data from prediction market Kalshi.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 15, 2026

With the fall festivals in the books, awards columnist Glenn Whipp surveys the landscape and offers his first bold prediction of the 10 best picture nominees.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

Scientists have typically studied this kind of sophisticated prediction in people who are awake and paying attention.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

One night he thought he had found a prediction of the future of Macondo.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Wardley took Sutton on at predictions before that first fight too - so will either outcome be different this time?

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

Sam Farmer makes his picks and score predictions for Week 6 of the NFL season, with the Rams defeating the Cardinals and the Chargers falling to 0-6.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

The expanded model also correctly identified methanol and carbon monoxide as major products, bringing its predictions into agreement with experimental findings.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

The revision reflects a change in the BOT’s predictions for another inflationary risk: El Nino, the weather phenomenon that causes extreme rainfall and drought.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

An hypothesis was the theoretical model which generated predictions of the future locations of the planets in the heavens.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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Related Words

• forecast
• forecasting
• guess
• indicator
• prognosis
• prophecy

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