What does predication mean?
A predication is the relationship or assertion expressed when a subject is connected with a predicate. In grammar, it is commonly used to describe the content of a clause: in “The students study history,” the students are the subject, “study history” is the predicate, and the clause as a whole expresses the predication. The term also has specialized uses in logic and philosophy, where it refers to asserting that a particular property belongs to a particular subject or object. Predication is more precise than a general “statement” when the focus is on the structure or logic of an assertion. It is also different from a prediction, which concerns a future expectation rather than the structure or content of an assertion.
nounIn grammar, a predication is the expression of a subject’s relationship to a predicate, especially the assertion made by a clause. More generally, it means an act of predicating or a statement that attributes a property to something.
- The expression of a relationship between a subject and a predicate, especially in a clause.
- An assertion or statement that something is the case, particularly in philosophy or logic.
- The act or process of predicating or attributing a property to something.
"In the sentence “The committee approved the plan,” the entire clause expresses a predication."
"Every finite clause contains a predication."
"The philosopher examined the predication of goodness to human beings."
The plural is used when referring to several separate assertions, clauses, or relationships between subjects and predicates.
"The analysis identifies different predications in each sentence."
A predication is where grammar turns a subject and a predicate into a complete thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of predication
The word comes through Latin praedicatio, a noun formed from praedicare, “to proclaim, announce, or assert.” The same Latin root underlies English “predicate,” “predicable,” and “prediction.” In modern usage, the meaning developed toward the grammatical and logical idea of attributing a property to a subject.
How predication is actually used
The word is chiefly formal and technical, especially in grammar, logic, and philosophy. In general writing, “statement” or “assertion” is usually clearer. “Predicate” and “predication” are related but are not interchangeable: the predicate is a constituent of a clause, while the predication is the relation or assertion expressed by the clause.
Easily confused with predication
A predication is what a clause asserts, whereas a prediction is a statement about what is expected to happen in the future.
A predicate is the part of a clause that says something about the subject, while a predication is the relationship or assertion involving the subject and predicate.