predict
[ pri-dikt ]
/ prɪˈdɪkt /
verb (used with object)
to declare or tell in advance; prophesy; foretell: to predict the weather; to predict the fall of a civilization.
verb (used without object)
to foretell the future; make a prediction.
Origin of predict
SYNONYMS FOR predict
1, 2
presage,
divine,
augur,
project,
prognosticate,
portend.
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.
OTHER WORDS FROM predict
Words nearby predict
British Dictionary definitions for mispredict
predict
/ (prɪˈdɪkt) /
verb
(tr; may take a clause as object)
to state or make a declaration about in advance, esp on a reasoned basis; foretell
Derived forms of predict
predictable, adjective predictability or predictableness, noun predictably, adverbWord Origin for predict
C17: from Latin
praedīcere to mention beforehand, from
prae before +
dīcere to say