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

The Fed didn’t always nail its colors to a predictive mast.

From The Wall Street Journal

Importantly, these behavioral differences were predictive, not just descriptive.

From Science Daily

Zhang himself left OpenAI last year to start the company, which aims to initially sell its software to investment firms for predictive modeling, as well as other financial services companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

The stock-market-timing indicator with the best long-term predictive record has just risen to its highest — and most bearish — level ever.

From MarketWatch

SameDay Local also will offer real-time package tracking, predictive ETAs, and 24/7 support, among other features.

From Barron's