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

The next general election is not expected until 2029, but the defeat will intensify pressure on him ahead of May local elections, when the party is predicted to also perform poorly.

From Barron's

Analysts predict Amazon will burn around $9 billion in the first quarter alone.

From The Wall Street Journal

Everton's inconsistency makes them an absolute nightmare to predict, and the fact their away form is much better than their home results doesn't help me much here either.

From BBC

Over time, he predicts, "We will see those service levels and speeds and experience improve, and we're already seeing some of that playing out."

From BBC

These changes are predicted to continue as the world continues to warm.

From BBC

Related Words

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