prediction

American  

[pri-dik-shuhn] / prɪˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

• predictions
  plural

1. 

   an act of predicting.

2. an instance of this; prophecy.

   Synonyms:

   projection, divination, prognostication, augury, forecast

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prediction British  

/ prɪˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the act of predicting

2. something predicted; a forecast, prophecy, etc

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• predictions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of prediction

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

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Explanation

I have a prediction: You’ll know what this word means by the time you finish reading this explanation. A prediction is what someone thinks will happen. A prediction is a forecast, but not only about the weather. Pre means “before” and diction has to do with talking. So a prediction is a statement about the future. It’s a guess, sometimes based on facts or evidence, but not always. A fortune teller makes a prediction using a crystal ball. A meteorologist uses maps and scientific data to tell us about the possibility of rain, snow or sunshine. And when I made the prediction that you would understand what this word meant, it was based on instinct, a gut feeling telling me what would happen next.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prediction predictions

Everything you need to know about the Chargers facing the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, including how to watch, betting odds and a score prediction.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026

Unlike opinion polls, which measure voting intentions at the moment voters are questioned, prediction platforms merely record financial transactions, political scientist Carolina Botelho told AFP.

From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2026

While the prediction proved prescient, Musk’s investment has changed the calculus.

From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2026

And in a game where the group often latches on to any conspicuous sign of questionable behaviour, Acaster's prediction was confirmed.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

Whether his prediction is true or not, he trusts that it is.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Experimental physicists subsequently tested these predictions using several complementary methods.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

The doomsday idea persisted in part because its predictions for future populations turned out to be highly accurate — at least for a while.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 17, 2026

Wardley took Sutton on at predictions before that first fight too - so will either outcome be different this time?

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

Sam Farmer makes his picks and score predictions for Week 6 of the NFL season, with the Rams defeating the Cardinals and the Chargers falling to 0-6.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

It refers to a situation that the writer is uncertain about, and it invites the reader to draw inferences or make predictions about that situation.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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Related Words

• forecast
• forecasting
• guess
• indicator
• prognosis
• prophecy

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