predictive
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to prediction.
The predictive power of the software is its ability to analyze relationships in the data at a speed and on a scale not previously possible.
-
used or useful for predicting or foretelling the future.
Astrologers look for predictive signs among the stars.
-
being an indication of the future or of future conditions.
The cold wind was predictive of snow.
-
Digital Technology. relating to or being computer or smartphone software that uses the text just entered in a message or document to suggest words that may be wanted next.
There's a combination of artificial intelligence and special algorithms in the code that makes the predictive text happen.
adjective
-
of, relating to, or making predictions
-
text messaging (of mobile phone technology) enabling mobile phones to predict the word being entered in a text message from the first few letters
predictive texting
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of predictive
First recorded in 1630–40; from Late Latin praedictīvus “foretelling”; see predict, -ive
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.
This allowed the Space4Nature team to develop a predictive model for grassland and lowland heathland habitats.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
The former two models are part of Ford Pro, the company’s global commercial brand, which includes a vehicle data and predictive intelligence platform.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
"Future research should explore whether these findings extend to other cohorts and whether the changes recorded are sustained or predictive of long-term outcomes."
From Science Daily • May 12, 2026
Screenless trackers offer longer battery life, enabling the continuous collection of data for predictive health insights.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
But that means that about 3.6 percent of the people who dream every night will have a predictive dream.
From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos
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.
