predict
//pɹɪˈdɪkt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- predict
- past (v2)
- predicted
- past participle (v3)
- predicted
- present participle
- predicting
- 3rd person singular
- predicts
Definitions
1.To make a prediction: to forecast, foretell, or estimate a future event on the basis of knowledge and reasoning; to prophesy a future event on the basis of mystical knowledge or power.
- Professor Trelawney kept predicting Harry’s death, which he found extremely annoying.
- The physics of elementary particles in the 20th century was distinguished by the observation of particles whose existence had been predicted by theorists sometimes decades earlier.
2.To imply.
- For both men and women, greater symmetry predicted a larger number of past sex partners.
- It is interesting to see how clearly theory predicts the difference between the ascending and descending curves of a dynamo.
3.To make predictions.
- The devil can both predict and make predictors.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1816
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Synonyms
Word family
Etymology
Early 17th century, from Latin praedicō (“to mention beforehand”) (perfect passive participle praedictus), from prae- (“before”) + dīcō (“to say”).
Equivalent to Germanic forespeak, foretell, and foresay.