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View synonyms for

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: , , , , ,


verb (used without object)

  1. to foretell the future; make a prediction.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,

predict

/ ɪˈɪ /

verb

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • predictable adjective
  • predictability noun
  • mispredict verb
  • unpredicted adjective
  • unpredicting adjective
  • ˈ徱ٲ adverb
  • ˈ徱ٲ adjective
  • ˌ徱ٲˈٲ noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of predict1

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

Origin of predict1

C17: from Latin ī to mention beforehand, from prae before + ī to say
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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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Rapper and TV personality Zuu had been conducting punditry duties until half-time, and predicted he would score before stepping on to the pitch.

From

In short, Vinge predicts that by 2030, humans will be capable of creating a machine with greater than human intelligence, which would then lead to a cascade of technological progress.

From

We could never have predicted just how quickly real-world headlines would not only validate our story, but outpace its darkest possibilities.

From

None of these options are easy for either side and their consequences are hard to predict.

From

“For more than two years I haven’t been drinking, but recovery is a long process that can at times be extremely hard to predict.”

From

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predicatorypredictability