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

1540-50; < Latin praedictus, past participle of praedīcere to foretell, equivalent to prae- pre- + dic-, variant stem of dīcere to say + -tus past participle suffix; see dictum

Related forms

predictable, adjective

predictability, noun

mispredict, verb

unpredicted, adjective

unpredicting, adjective

Synonyms

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.

Examples from the web for predict

For years geologists have been trying to figure out how to predict these often-catastrophic events.
It should help firemen to predict the behaviour of wildfires a few hours in advance.
It is difficult to predict how the anger and frustration will express itself.
In fact, some seismologists think we should stop trying to predict them altogether, likening the attempt to alchemy.
According to the magazine, they were silly enough to think you can look at the past to predict the future.
We did actually predict this, and even wore nice socks.
Any futurist can righteously predict that in 20 years people will be twenty years older.
The charts showed certain patterns that made it possible to predict a majority of hits.
There's nothing better for sharpening your ability to predict outcomes than living through some period when things went wrong.
How well do computer climate models predict the behavior of clouds?

British Dictionary definitions for predict

predict

/prɪˈdɪkt/

verb

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

Derived Forms

predictable, adjective
predictability, predictableness, noun
predictably, adverb

Word Origin

C17: from Latin praedīcere to mention beforehand, from prae before + dīcere to say

Word Origin and History for predict

1620s (implied in predicted), "foretell, prophesy," a back formation from prediction or else from Latin praedicatus, past participle of praedicere "foretell, advise, give notice," from prae "before" (see pre-) + dicere "to say" (see diction). Related: Predicted; predicting.

predict in Technology

1. simulation, predictive analytics.
2. branch prediction.
3.