What does predict mean?
Predict means to say or estimate that something will happen in the future. The word is often used with results, events, weather, prices, and trends: a scientist may predict the movement of a storm, while an economist may predict a change in inflation. A prediction can be based on evidence, experience, models, or a reasoned judgment, but the verb itself does not mean that the outcome is guaranteed. Predict is also used more assertively when someone states in advance what they believe will occur. In everyday usage, it often carries a note of uncertainty, since most future events cannot be known with complete certainty. The word is related etymologically to dictionary, predicate, and verdict through the ancient Indo-European root associated with saying, telling, or showing.
verbTo state or indicate that something will happen in the future, usually on the basis of knowledge, experience, or inference. It can also mean to declare a future outcome in advance.
- To state that a particular event or result will occur in the future.
- To estimate or forecast something from available information, experience, or reasoning.
- To declare or assert that something will happen, especially in advance.
"The researchers accurately predicted the path of the storm."
"No one can predict exactly how long the negotiations will last."
"The forecast predicts unusually high temperatures across the region this weekend."
Predict comes from the same ancient root as dictionary: both ultimately refer to saying or declaring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How predict is actually used
Predict is commonly used for outcomes based on information or probability, as in predicting a result or the weather. It can also have the more formal or assertive sense of declaring something in advance, but it does not necessarily imply certainty.