Predict

/prɪˈdɪkt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to declare or tell in advance; to foresee or prophesy.
The meteorologist can predict the weather for the upcoming week.
to indicate in advance the likelihood of something happening.
Studies predict that the population will continue to grow over the next decade.
to make an educated guess about the future based on current evidence.
Researchers predict that advancements in technology will change the job market significantly.

Etymology

The word 'predict' comes from the Latin 'praedictus', the past participle of 'praedicere', meaning 'to declare before'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Predict the future
To make an assertion about what will happen in the time to come.
Predictable outcome
An outcome that can be anticipated or expected based on current knowledge.
Self-fulfilling prophecy
A prediction that causes itself to come true due to the behavior of those who hear the prediction.

Related Words

prediction
A statement about what will happen in the future, based on current information.
forecaster
A person who predicts future events, especially in relation to weather or economics.
prophecy
A prediction of future events that is often viewed as being divinely inspired.

Slang Meanings

To guess what will happen next.
I can totally predict that she's going to be late again.
To make an educated guess.
He predicted the score of the game before it even started.