predict

[pri-dikt]

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

verb (used without object)

1. to foretell the future; make a prediction.

   Synonyms: portend, prognosticate, project, augur, divine, presage

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of predict¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of predict¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Monday through Tuesday afternoon, with the heaviest rain predicted for Tuesday morning.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Wall Street is still predicting steady earnings growth of nearly 11% next year and just under 10% a year for the next few years.

Read more on Barron's

Here’s what forecasters are predicting, although they caution the situation is evolving and subject to change.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

David Warner predicts Australia will win the Ashes 4-0 because England will only be concerned about a "moral victory".

Read more on BBC

One study found that cues associated with highly pleasurable foods activate the reward centers in the brain, and the degree of activation predicts weight gain.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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