predictable
prih-DIHK-tuhbl
Predictable (adjective) means Able to be known or expected in advance. Example: “The plot of the movie was so predictable that she guessed the ending in the first ten minutes.”
adjective
1
Able to be known or expected in advance.
"The plot of the movie was so predictable that she guessed the ending in the first ten minutes."
"Her morning routine is so predictable that you could set a clock by it."
"The weather in the desert is fairly predictable at this time of year."
How to use predictable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you can see coming — no surprises.
Common pairings
predictable outcome
painfully predictable
predictable pattern
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Word forms
- Plural
- predictables
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The plot of the movie was so _____ that she guessed the ending in the first ten minutes.
Etymology
From predict plus the adjective-forming suffix -able.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for predictable
See all rhymes for predictable →Frequently asked questions
What does “predictable” mean?
The word “predictable” means able to be known or expected in advance. In plain terms, something you can see coming — no surprises.
How do you pronounce “predictable”?
“Predictable” is pronounced prih-DIHK-tuhbl (/pɹɪˈdɪktəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “predictable” in a sentence?
Here is “predictable” used in a sentence: “The plot of the movie was so predictable that she guessed the ending in the first ten minutes.”
What is the opposite of “predictable”?
The opposite of “predictable” — its antonyms — are non-predictable, nonpredictable and unpredictable.
What part of speech is “predictable”?
“Predictable” is an adjective.
Is “predictable” a common word?
“Predictable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between predictable and expected?
Predictable describes something that can be known or foreseen in advance based on a pattern or evidence, while expected simply means anticipated to happen, whether or not a clear pattern justifies it. Something can be expected without being genuinely predictable if the reasoning behind it is weak.
Is calling someone predictable an insult?
It can be, depending on context. When applied to a person's behaviour or choices, predictable often carries a mildly negative tone, suggesting they lack originality or spontaneity, though it can also be neutral or positive when used about reliability.
What is the opposite of predictable?
The opposite of predictable is unpredictable, meaning something cannot be known or expected in advance. Related opposites include erratic and surprising, depending on the context.
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