noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

predicate

PRED-i-kuht (noun); PRED-i-kayt (verb)

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Predicate (noun) means the part of a sentence that says something about the subject, containing the verb and anything that goes with it. Example: “In "the dog barked loudly", the predicate is "barked loudly".”

noun

The part of a sentence that says something about the subject, containing the verb and anything that goes with it.

"In "the dog barked loudly", the predicate is "barked loudly"."

"Every complete sentence needs a subject and a predicate."

In logic and computing, an expression that takes one or more values and returns true or false.

"The filter takes a predicate and keeps every item for which it returns true."

verb

To base something on a particular fact, idea or condition. Usually used as "predicated on".

"The whole plan is predicated on interest rates staying low."

"Their offer was predicated on us finishing before March."

How to use predicate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn grammar, the part of the sentence that tells you what the subject does; as a verb, to build something on an assumption.

When to use it

The verb is formal and appears mostly in the fixed phrase "predicated on". The grammar sense is technical.

Memory tip

The noun and verb are pronounced differently: PRED-i-kuht for the noun, PRED-i-kayt for the verb.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

predicate vs predict predicate vs premise

Common pairings

subject and predicate predicated on the assumption complete predicate predicate function

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “predicate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In "the dog barked loudly", the _____ is "barked loudly".

Etymology

From Latin praedicatum "that which is said of something", from praedicare "to proclaim, declare".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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base found ground premise proclaim connote

Antonyms

subject

Related words

home found bad lost land ground stand subject

Rhymes for predicate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state create update locate

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a subject and a predicate?

The subject names who or what the sentence is about; the predicate says something about it. In "my sister works in Leeds", "my sister" is the subject and "works in Leeds" is the predicate.

Does predicate mean predict?

No. They share a Latin root but predict means to say what will happen, while predicate means to base something on something else, or in grammar the part of a sentence containing the verb.

What is a simple predicate?

The simple predicate is just the verb or verb phrase, without its objects or modifiers. In "the dog barked loudly at the postman", the simple predicate is "barked".

What is the meaning of predicate?

"predicate" (noun) means the part of a sentence that says something about the subject, containing the verb and anything that goes with it.

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