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

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

From a predictive standpoint, his numbers against the Dodgers have little meaning because of the limited meetings between the teams during Judge’s career.

From Los Angeles Times

If a factor has been predictive in past elections, that’s a solid argument for including it in a model for future elections.

From Salon