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

“Sentiment Indicator levels below -1 have historically been predictive of above-average equity returns, although the signal improves when the indicator drops below -1.5,” Goldman said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Instead, they produce responses via token prediction, effectively a more complex version of predictive text.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

"In the future we aim to build the necessary knowledge to improve our predictive capacity and support the management of harmful algal blooms," adds Pou-Solà.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

Before becoming the company’s head of AI in 2023, he was a data scientist and worked on predictive analytics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Though it is a strange concept physically, it is the predictive power of the equations that interests scientists, rather than their comprehensibility—and an extra six dimensions do not constitute an insurmountable problem, mathematically.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife