predict
prih-DIHKT
Predict (verb) means to say what will happen in the future, based on knowledge, evidence, or reasoning. Example: “Nobody can predict exactly when the bus will arrive in this traffic.”
verb
1
To say what will happen in the future, based on knowledge, evidence, or reasoning.
"Nobody can predict exactly when the bus will arrive in this traffic."
"Scientists predict that sea levels will keep rising for decades."
"No one could have predicted how popular the app would become."
How to use predict
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo forecast or guess ahead of time what will happen, usually with some evidence behind the guess.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "prophesy," which usually implies a mystical or religious kind of foretelling rather than reasoned forecasting.
Easily confused with
predict vs. prophesy
Common pairings
predict the outcome
experts predict
hard to predict
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Word forms
- Plural
- predicts
- Third person singular
- predicts
- Past tense
- predicted
- Archaic forms
- predictest, predictedst, predicteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nobody can _____ exactly when the bus will arrive in this traffic.
Etymology
From Latin praedicere, \"to say beforehand,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus dicere (\"to say\").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for predict
See all rhymes for predict →Frequently asked questions
What does “predict” mean?
The word “predict” means to say what will happen in the future, based on knowledge, evidence, or reasoning. In plain terms, to forecast or guess ahead of time what will happen, usually with some evidence behind the guess.
How do you pronounce “predict”?
“Predict” is pronounced prih-DIHKT (/pɹɪˈdɪkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “predict” in a sentence?
Here is “predict” used in a sentence: “Scientists predict that sea levels will keep rising for decades.”
What is another word for “predict”?
Words with a similar meaning to “predict” include foretell, forespell, forespeak, halsen, anticipate and augur.
What is the opposite of “predict”?
The opposite of “predict” — its antonyms — is retrodict.
What part of speech is “predict”?
“Predict” is a verb.
Where does the word “predict” come from?
The word “predict” comes from Latin. From Latin praedicere, \"to say beforehand,\" from prae- (\"before\") plus dicere (\"to say\").
Is “predict” a common word?
“Predict” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between predict and forecast?
Both mean to say what will happen in the future, but forecast is the usual word when the statement comes from systematic data and analysis, as in weather forecasts or sales forecasts. Predict is the general-purpose verb for any statement about the future based on knowledge, evidence, or reasoning.
What is the difference between predict and anticipate?
To predict is to state what will happen, while to anticipate is to expect something and often to prepare for it. A forecaster predicts rain; an organiser who anticipates rain books an indoor venue.
What is the noun form of predict?
The noun is prediction, meaning a statement about what will happen in the future. A person or model that predicts can be called a predictor, and the related adjective is predictable.
What is the difference between predict and prophesy?
Predict means to say what will happen based on knowledge, evidence, or reasoning. Prophesy means to declare what will happen as if by divine inspiration or supernatural insight. Note the spelling: prophesy is the verb, while prophecy is the noun.
