What does predictably mean?
Predictably means that something occurs in a way that can be anticipated, either because it follows an established pattern or because its causes are clear. It is often used to introduce an outcome that people have learned to expect: “Predictably, the negotiations continued for several more months.” The word can suggest inevitability, as though the result was almost unavoidable, and it frequently carries a mildly critical or ironic implication when people have repeatedly failed to change an outcome. It may also describe consistent or dependable behaviour, although that use is less frequent. The term is especially useful when discussing familiar routines, recurring failures, political or institutional habits, and other situations in which outcomes seem governed by predictable forces.
adverbIn a way that can be predicted or expected; as a result that follows a familiar or established pattern. It can also mean with reliable predictability, often implying that something happens exactly as expected.
- In a manner that can be predicted or expected.
- As a result that was highly likely or virtually inevitable, often with the implication that the outcome was foreseeable.
- With consistent or dependable regularity, usually as a result of established routines or tendencies.
"Predictably, the meeting began with a lengthy discussion of the budget."
"The train arrived predictably late, exactly as it had on the previous three mornings."
"Predictably, the proposal was welcomed by supporters and resisted by critics."
If something happens predictably, it follows a pattern so familiar that we can almost set the clock by it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does predictably come from?
The word comes from the adjective predictable, which in turn derives from the Latin praedicere, meaning “to foretell” or “predict.” The prefix prae- expressed the idea of doing something beforehand, while dicere meant “to say.” English borrowed the related forms predict, prediction, and predictive during the early modern period, with predictable developing later as a word meaning “able to be anticipated.” The adverb predictably follows the regular formation of adverbs in -ly from adjectives ending in -able.
How predictably is actually used
The adverb is commonly used with a slightly critical or ironic tone when an outcome seems too predictable. In formal writing, it can simply mean that an event can be anticipated with confidence.
Easily confused with predictably
Predictably describes the manner in which something occurs, while predictive relates to the ability or use of making predictions.