Prediction: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when making a statement about what will happen in the future based on data, trends, or educated guesses. Common in casual and various professional settings.

• Weather prediction, market prediction, his prediction about the match was accurate

Often used in a professional or scientific context, especially related to weather, economy, and other statistical analyses. It involves a systematic approach using models and data.

• Weather forecast, economic forecast, the forecast predicts heavy rains

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned term, typically used in medical or academic writing, referring to a prediction based on established knowledge and expertise.

• Medical prognostication, the prognostication about the patient's recovery was optimistic

Used in a more mystical or religious context, implying a prediction often based on divine insight or supernatural revelation. Can have a negative connotation if used sarcastically.

• The ancient prophecy speaks of a hero, she claimed to have the gift of prophecy, his prophecy of doom was unsettling

Used in situations where you are making a guess about the future based on data, observation, or existing trends. Common in scientific, business, and daily conversational contexts.

• The weather prediction for tomorrow is sunny with a chance of rain.
• Experts made a prediction about the stock market trends for the next year.

Used in religious or mystical contexts where the prediction is believed to be divinely inspired or coming from supernatural insight. Often carries a more serious or significant connotation.

• The prophecy stated that a hero would rise to save the kingdom.
• Many ancient cultures had prophecies about the end of the world.

Typically used in more formal or literary contexts, often implying a mystical or magical sense of predicting the future. Can be used in storytelling or historical texts.

• The old book contained many foretellings about the coming of a great king.
• In ancient times, shamans were often believed to have the power of foretelling.

Use when talking about a guess or assumption about the future, often based on intuition or limited information.

• She made a prediction about the outcome of the game
• His prediction turned out to be accurate

Commonly used in the context of weather or financial markets to describe a prediction based on more detailed data and analysis.

• The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend
• The economic forecast suggests growth in the next quarter

Use when referring to predictions that are based on current trends and data, often used in business and financial contexts.

• The company's revenue projection is cautiously optimistic
• They made a projection that the population will double in 50 years

Use when discussing an approximate calculation or judgment, often based on incomplete data or educated guesses.

• The contractor provided an estimate for the renovation costs
• The estimate for the time of arrival was off by an hour