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

Other Word Forms

• predictably adverb
• predictable adjective
• predictability noun
• mispredict verb
• unpredicted adjective
• unpredicting 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

Whether the next general election is in two years as Farage predicts or in four years' time as is more likely, a lot can shift fast – including opinion polls.

From BBC

“They’ll redact every Republican or conservative person in those files, leave all the liberal, Democratic people in those files,” Schnitt predicted, claiming the would-be report “very slanted.”

From Salon

Some of our pundits and presenters predicted their top three for the 2025-26 campaign, making their picks made before deadline day.

From BBC

Heavy rains and floods have affected at least 21 areas across Sudan in recent weeks, with fears of disease outbreaks, and experts predicting an unusually wet season continuing into September.

From BBC

Many are predicting that “With Love, Meghan” will not get a third season, though a Christmas special is on the books.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anticipate 
• call 
• conclude 
• envision 
• forecast 
• foresee 
• think