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

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

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

The company is using these models to predict how satellite signals will be reflected between the buildings.

Read more on Science Daily

Legal experts predict Comey will be acquitted – the evidence is weak and the political interference is blatant.

Read more on Salon

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicts that by 2028, AI will require the same amount of energy it takes to power 22% of U.S. households.

Read more on Barron's

Battlefield 6's launch is expected to be a big one, with analysts predicting it could sell up to five millions copies in its first week.

Read more on BBC

Portfolio managers, meanwhile, don’t have an incentive to predict market corrections.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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