What does prediction mean?
A prediction is a statement about what is likely or expected to happen in the future. It may be based on observation, reasoning, experience, a scientific model, or an individual's judgment. In everyday use, predictions can be practical, as in a forecast about the weather or a sports result, but they can also be personal, such as an attempt to anticipate how someone will behave. The word often implies some evidential basis, although it does not guarantee accuracy. A prediction should therefore be distinguished from a certainty: it represents an informed expectation rather than a guaranteed outcome. Predictions are common in science, economics, politics, business, and everyday conversation, and evaluating how accurate they prove to be is an important way of assessing the quality of the reasoning or data behind them.
nounA statement about what is expected to happen in the future, especially one based on reasoning, experience, or available information. It can also refer to the act or result of forecasting a future event.
- A statement about what is expected to happen in the future.
- The act or result of forecasting a future event.
"The model's prediction of a colder winter proved more accurate than last year's forecast."
"Her prediction that the market would recover proved correct."
"The forecast was revised after the new data led analysts to change their predictions."
Used when referring to multiple statements or estimates about future events.
"The two predictions were based on different sets of data."
Every prediction is a snapshot of what someone knows, believes, or hopes the future will bring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prediction come from?
The word comes through Old French from the Latin noun praedictio, meaning “a foretelling” or “a declaration beforehand.” Latin praedicere was formed from prae-, meaning “before,” and dicere, meaning “to say” or “to speak.” The same Latin roots are reflected in related English words such as predict, predicate, and dict.
Related word forms
How prediction is actually used
Neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. In scientific and statistical contexts, it often refers specifically to a forecast based on a model; “a prediction of rain” may be more natural than “rain prediction.”
Easily confused with prediction
A prediction is usually an informed estimate of what may happen, whereas a prophecy often carries a religious or supernatural implication and is attributed to a particular source.