predict

pri-DIKT/pɹɪˈdɪkt/

Formspredicts, predicting, predicted

5 meanings of predict

1
verbtransitive
To say what will happen before it happens, using what you know.
Like guessing tomorrow's weather by looking at the clouds today.
Scientists predict heavy rain for the weekend.
She predicted the winner of the race long before the finish.
Similarforecast, foresee, foretell, anticipate, prophesy
Note
2
verbintransitive
To say what you think will happen in the future.
Like calling a coin toss before it lands.
Good forecasters predict more reliably than amateurs.
She rarely predicts wrongly.
Similarforecast, prophesy, speculate
Note
3
verbtransitive
Of a theory or rule, to mean that a certain result must follow from it.
The laws of physics predict that a heavy ball and a light ball fall at the same speed without air.
Darwin's theory predicts that living things change slowly over many generations.
Similarimply, entail, suggest, indicate
Note

Less common meanings

4
verbraretransitive
To aim a long-range gun at a target using a special aiming machine.
The guns on the ship predict the plane as it flies in low over the water.
They're predicting us now; looks like a barrage.
1943, L. Cheshire, Bomber PilotHere, predicting means aiming guns at them using an aiming device.
Note
5
nounobsolete
A statement about what will happen in the future.
Like a guess about what tomorrow will bring, written down.
The astrologer's predict came true within the year.
Or say with Princes if it shall go well, / By oft predict that I in heaven find.
1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 14”Here, predict means a prediction, a telling of the future.
Note

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Origin

From Latin praedico, meaning "to mention beforehand," made from prae- ("before") and dico ("to say").