predict
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To state that something will happen in the future, often based on evidence, patterns, or knowledge.
To make an inference about a future event, outcome, or trend, often as a formal forecast or as a calculation of probability.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a level of evidence or rational basis, not a random guess. Used for weather, election results, scientific outcomes, market trends, and personal behaviour.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The word is used identically.
Connotations
Identical; suggests authority, foresight, or scientific calculation in both variants.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
predict + noun (predict the result)predict + that-clause (predict that it will rain)predict + wh-clause (predict what will happen)passive: be predicted to (He is predicted to win)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hard to predict”
- “crystal ball to predict the future”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Analysts predict a rise in quarterly profits.
Academic
The model predicts a significant correlation between the variables.
Everyday
No one could have predicted the traffic would be this bad.
Technical
The algorithm predicts system failures with 95% accuracy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The met office predicts unsettled weather for the bank holiday weekend.
- It was predicted that the new policy would prove unpopular.
American English
- Experts are predicting a close election this November.
- The study predicts a sharp increase in coastal flooding.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Predictably is the related adverb).
American English
- N/A (Predictably is the related adverb).
adjective
British English
- N/A (Predictive is the related adjective).
American English
- N/A (Predictive is the related adjective).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you predict the weather for tomorrow?
- I predict our team will win.
- It's impossible to predict exactly what will happen.
- The article predicts a difficult winter for energy supplies.
- Early polls predict a victory for the incumbent mayor.
- Scientists are struggling to predict the long-term effects of the phenomenon.
- Her theory accurately predicted the existence of the particle years before its discovery.
- The economic model failed to predict the severity of the recession.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRE' (before) + 'DICT' (say) = to say before it happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A LANDSCAPE AHEAD (we can map it, forecast its weather). KNOWLEDGE IS VISION (foresee, forecast).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'предсказывать' for informal guesses; 'predict' is more evidence-based. 'Предугадать' is closer for intuitive guesses.
- Do not confuse with 'предрекать', which has a more fateful/prophetic tone.
Common Mistakes
- I predict him to win. (Incorrect) -> I predict that he will win. (Correct)
- It's predicted rain tomorrow. (Incorrect) -> Rain is predicted for tomorrow. (Correct)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'predict' most correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Forecast' is often used for weather and formal economic trends. 'Predict' is broader and can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
No, it is inherently future-oriented. For inferences about the past, use 'deduce', 'infer', or 'postulate'.
Not directly. The common patterns are 'predict that + clause' or the passive 'be predicted to + infinitive' (e.g., 'He is predicted to win').
The main nouns are 'prediction' (the act or statement) and 'predictor' (a thing or person that predicts).