prediction

[pri-dik-shuhn]

noun

1. an act of predicting.

2. an instance of this; prophecy.

   Synonyms: projection, divination, prognostication, augury, forecast

prediction

/ prɪˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the act of predicting

2. something predicted; a forecast, prophecy, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of prediction¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin praedictiōn-, stem of praedictiō “prophecy”; equivalent to predict + -ion

Example Sentences

If lofty profit predictions prove wrong, share prices may tumble and investment could slow.

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Longtime readers of this column — both of you! — will know I make no predictions.

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The late 1990s brimmed with predictions, often contradictory.

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At Stanford, our team acted on this prediction.

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Husak said it’s more reasonable to expect that Americans helped by the new tax break for seniors could make more accurate predictions and adjust their withholdings.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• forecast 
• forecasting www.thesaurus.com
• guess 
• indicator 
• prognosis 
• prophecy 

When To Use

What does prediction mean?

A prediction is a statement about what someone thinks will happen in the future.People make predictions all the time. Some are very serious and are based on scientific calculations, but many are just guesses.Example: Here’s a prediction: in 20 years, we’ll all drive less and eat a lot less meat.