predictive

[ pri-dik-tiv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to prediction:

   The predictive power of the software is its ability to analyze relationships in the data at a speed and on a scale not previously possible.

2. used or useful for predicting or foretelling the future:

   Astrologers look for predictive signs among the stars.

3. being an indication of the future or of future conditions:

   The cold wind was predictive of snow.

4. Digital Technology. relating to or being computer or smartphone software that uses the text just entered in a message or document to suggest words that may be wanted next:

   There's a combination of artificial intelligence and special algorithms in the code that makes the predictive text happen.

Other Words From

• pre·dic·tive·ly adverb
• pre·dic·tive·ness noun
• non·pre·dic·tive adjective
• un·pre·dic·tive adjective
• un·pre·dic·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of predictive¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Late Latin praedictīvus “foretelling”; predict, -ive

Example Sentences

Overdose deaths take a while to be measured, but the agency’s predictive model suggests that once these numbers are finalized across states, the number of people to die from an overdose across this 12-month period will be approximately 96,000.

From Salon

Prevention trials and improved predictive biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease will change that, but we’re not there yet.

From Los Angeles Times

Election experts have cautioned against reading too much into early voting party registration, as it is not necessarily predictive of voters choosing a candidate from another party or how independents might split.

From Salon

While colleges used to regard high school grade-point averages as the best predictor of higher education success, their predictive value has declined.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s now understood that one of the reasons those predictive models and analysts got it wrong was because they underestimated female voters.

From Los Angeles Times