predict
[ pri-dikt ]
/ prɪˈdɪkt /
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verb (used with object)
to declare or tell in advance; prophesy; foretell: to predict the weather; to predict the fall of a civilization.
verb (used without object)
to foretell the future; make a prediction.
OTHER WORDS FOR predict
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Origin of predict
synonym study for predict
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 WORDS FROM predict
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use predict in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for predict
predict
/ (prɪˈdɪkt) /
verb
(tr; may take a clause as object) to state or make a declaration about in advance, esp on a reasoned basis; foretell
Derived forms of predict
predictable, adjectivepredictability or predictableness, nounpredictably, adverbWord Origin for predict
C17: from Latin praedīcere to mention beforehand, from prae before + dīcere to say
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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