predictive

[pri-dik-tiv]

adjective

1. of or relating to prediction.

   The predictive power of the software is its ability to analyze relationships in the data at a speed and on a scale not previously possible.

2. used or useful for predicting or foretelling the future.

   Astrologers look for predictive signs among the stars.

3. being an indication of the future or of future conditions.

   The cold wind was predictive of snow.

4. Digital Technology.,  relating to or being computer or smartphone software that uses the text just entered in a message or document to suggest words that may be wanted next.

   There's a combination of artificial intelligence and special algorithms in the code that makes the predictive text happen.

Other Word Forms

• predictively adverb
• predictiveness noun
• nonpredictive adjective
• unpredictive adjective
• unpredictively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of predictive¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Late Latin praedictīvus “foretelling”; predict, -ive

Example Sentences

Prof Gustavo Sudre, a neuroimaging and AI researcher at King's College London, commented: "This research looks to be a significant step towards scalable, interpretable, and – most importantly – ethically responsible form of predictive modelling in medicine."

From BBC

The predictive turn in governance aligns with a broader shift toward what some scholars call “preemptive security.”

From Salon

“All of NOAA’s predictive capabilities will degrade as a result of these cuts.”

From Los Angeles Times

Season 2’s disinformation storyline isn’t predictive but reflective.

From Salon

Escanuela’s crisis was detected not by a person but a predictive statistical model that was developed to solve a conundrum that has made homelessness prevention a tantalizing but underused strategy.

From Los Angeles Times