forecast

[ fawr-kast, -kahst, fohr- ]

verb (used with object)

, fore·cast or fore·cast·ed, fore·cast·ing.

1. to predict (a future condition or occurrence); calculate in advance:

   to forecast a heavy snowfall; to forecast lower interest rates.

   Synonyms: anticipate, foretell

2. to serve as a prediction of; foreshadow.
3. to contrive or plan beforehand; prearrange.

   Synonyms: project

verb (used without object)

, fore·cast or fore·cast·ed, fore·cast·ing.

1. to conjecture beforehand; make a prediction.

   Synonyms: estimate, guess

2. to plan or arrange beforehand.

noun

1. a prediction, especially as to the weather.
2. a conjecture as to something in the future.

   Synonyms: estimate, guess

3. the act, practice, or faculty of forecasting.
4. Archaic. foresight in planning.

   Synonyms: prescience, forethought

forecast

/ ˈfɔːˌkɑːst /

verb

1. to predict or calculate (weather, events, etc), in advance
2. tr to serve as an early indication of
3. tr to plan in advance

noun

1. a statement of probable future weather conditions calculated from meteorological data
2. a prophecy or prediction
3. the practice or power of forecasting

Derived Forms

• ˈforeˌcaster, noun

Other Words From

• forecasta·ble adjective
• forecaster noun
• re·forecast verb (used with object) reforecast or reforecasted reforecasting
• un·forecast adjective
• un·forecasted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forecast¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English (verb) “to plan ahead of time”; fore-, cast ( def )

Synonym Study

See predict.

Example Sentences

A weather system will push in from the Atlantic on Monday and this is where there could be some uncertainty in the forecast.

From BBC

But, with dry weather forecast, South Africa can wield the scalpel as well as the sledgehammer.

From BBC

Light scattered rain showers are forecast for much of the region from Friday night through Saturday morning, according to the weather service.

From Los Angeles Times

The tool uses machine learning to combine information about population growth and economic trends to forecast the future of plastic production, pollution and trade.

From Science Daily

You will want to keep an eye on the forecast though as cloud may obscure the view in some places.

From BBC

Related Words

• anticipate
• augur
• calculate
• conclude
• determine
• estimate
• foresee
• foretell
• gauge
• portend