predictive

American  

[pri-dik-tiv] / prɪˈdɪk tɪv /

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of predictive

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

Example Sentences

“Calling it predictive markets never fooled me,” Christie says.

From The Wall Street Journal

“You need clear and predictive regulation. You do need other private-sector players coming together. You need the enforcement of law.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“You need clear and predictive regulation. You do need other private-sector players coming together. You need the enforcement of law.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The current predictive science, he said, “carries significant uncertainty.”

From Salon

More strikingly, certain brain patterns were only predictive in patients taking Yueju Pill.

From Science Daily