predict

[ pri-dikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to declare or tell in advance; prophesy; foretell:

   to predict the weather; to predict the fall of a civilization.

   Synonyms: portend, prognosticate, project, augur, divine, presage

verb (used without object)

1. to foretell the future; make a prediction.

   Synonyms: portend, prognosticate, project, augur, divine, presage

predict

/ prɪˈdɪkt /

verb

1. tr; may take a clause as object to state or make a declaration about in advance, esp on a reasoned basis; foretell

Derived Forms

• preˈdictably, adverb
• preˈdictable, adjective
• preˌdictaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• pre·dicta·ble adjective
• pre·dicta·bili·ty noun
• mispre·dict verb
• unpre·dicted adjective
• unpre·dicting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predict¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin praedictus, past participle of praedīcere “to foretell,” equivalent to prae- “before, earlier” + dic-, variant stem of dīcere “to say” + -tus past participle suffix; pre-, dictum

Word History and Origins

Origin of predict¹

C17: from Latin praedīcere to mention beforehand, from prae before + dīcere to say

Synonym Study

Predict, prophesy, foresee, forecast mean to know or tell (usually correctly) beforehand what will happen. To predict is usually to foretell with precision of calculation, knowledge, or shrewd inference from facts or experience: The astronomers can predict an eclipse; it may, however, be used without the implication of underlying knowledge or expertise: I predict she'll be a success at the party. Prophesy usually means to predict future events by the aid of divine or supernatural inspiration: Merlin prophesied the two knights would meet in conflict; this verb, too, may be used in a more general, less specific sense. I prophesy he'll be back in the old job. To foresee refers specifically not to the uttering of predictions but to the mental act of seeing ahead; there is often (but not always) a practical implication of preparing for what will happen: He was clever enough to foresee this shortage of materials. Forecast has much the same meaning as predict; it is used today particularly of the weather and other phenomena that cannot easily be accurately predicted: Rain and snow are forecast for tonight. Economists forecast a rise in family income.

Example Sentences

“Four years ago, some of the people that surrounded Trump were very much pro-settlements and pro-annexing, but it didn't work like that last time. I predict it's not going to work like that this time around.”

From BBC

All fighters on the undercard were asked to predict the outcome of Tyson-Paul.

From BBC

“Analysts predict he may struggle to get two-thirds and may have to rely on coalitions. This would make his task much more difficult,” says Raisa Wickrematunge.

From BBC

It is difficult to try to predict the decisions that US President-elect Donald Trump will make when he returns to the White House.

From BBC

The exact alignments and deals are impossible to predict, and much will depend on the individuals appointed to key positions.

From BBC

Related Words

• anticipate
• call
• conclude
• crystal-ball
• envision
• forecast
• foresee
• think