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Forecast Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forecast

[ˈfɔːrkɑːst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weather prediction

A forecast is a statement about what is likely to happen, usually concerning the weather. It is based on scientific analysis of meteorological data and is used to inform people about expected conditions.

Synonyms

prediction, prognosis, projection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forecast

Used mainly for predicting weather conditions and sometimes for finance or economic trends. Often involves scientific data and analysis.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain tomorrow
  • The economic forecast indicates slow growth next year
prediction

General term for making statements about the future, which can be based on intuition, guesswork, or some analysis. Used in everyday conversations.

  • She made a prediction that he would win the game
  • My prediction is that it will be a sunny day
prognosis

Primarily used in medical and health contexts to describe the likely course or outcome of a disease. Can also refer to outlook in specific situations.

  • The doctor's prognosis for his recovery is optimistic
  • The prognosis for the project looks good
projection

Used for estimates about future financial performance, demographics, or scenarios often based on current trends and data. Tends to be more formal and data-driven.

  • The company's sales projection for next year is very positive
  • The population projection shows an increase over the next decade

Examples of usage

  • The weather forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow.
  • The forecast for the weekend is sunny and warm.
Context #2 | Verb

predict

To forecast means to predict or estimate a future event or trend. It is often used in business, economics, and weather-related contexts.

Synonyms

anticipate, predict, prognosticate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forecast

Use in professional or scientific contexts, especially related to weather, finance, or business when you have data and models to predict future events.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend
  • The financial forecast suggests the company will grow by 10% next year
predict

Commonly used in various contexts to indicate that you think something will happen in the future, based on observation, intuition, or limited data. It can be informal or formal.

  • Many people predict that technology will continue to shape the future of education
  • It's hard to predict how the votes will turn out
anticipate

Often used in everyday situations where you expect something to happen and prepare for it, sometimes implying eagerness or apprehension.

  • She anticipated that there would be traffic, so she left early
  • He did not anticipate such a strong reaction from the audience
prognosticate

Primarily used in a formal, often medical or scientific context to mean forecasting based on data, usually with a serious or clinical tone. It can come off as old-fashioned.

  • The doctor prognosticated a full recovery within six months
  • Experts prognosticate significant changes in global climate patterns

Examples of usage

  • The financial analyst forecasted a rise in the stock market.
  • Meteorologists forecasted the arrival of a winter storm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Meteorology is the science behind weather forecasting, relying on atmospheric data and models to make predictions.
  • Forecasting can be both short-term (daily weather) and long-term (seasonal trends) using advanced algorithms.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and cartoons often depict weather forecasts with quirky characters, such as the fun-loving weather guy or forecasting animals.
  • Famous weather forecasts in pop culture include the weather reports by television personalities that have become catchphrases.

Technology

  • With the rise of big data, meteorologists now use supercomputers to crunch numbers and improve prediction accuracy.
  • Mobile apps provide real-time forecasts, revolutionizing how people plan their daily activities based on the weather.

History

  • Ancient civilizations like the Babylonians used astronomy and natural signs, such as cloud patterns, to predict the weather.
  • The development of barometers in the 17th century significantly advanced forecasting methods, allowing for predictions based on air pressure.

Origin of 'forecast'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'forcasten,' meaning to 'cast' or 'throw' ahead in time.
  • Its roots lie in Old English where 'for' means 'before' and 'cast' relates to ‘to throw’ or ‘to predict’.

The word 'forecast' originated from Middle English 'forecasten', which means 'to plan in advance'. It has been used in the context of weather predictions since the early 19th century, evolving from simple observations to complex scientific models.

See also: cast, castaway, caste, caster, casting, castle, outcast, uncast.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,170 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.