Prediction: meaning, definitions and examples
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prediction
[prɪˈdɪkʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
future events
A statement about what will happen in the future, based on knowledge or experience.
Synonyms
forecast, prognostication, prophecy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prediction |
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.
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| forecast |
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.
|
| prognostication |
A formal and somewhat old-fashioned term, typically used in medical or academic writing, referring to a prediction based on established knowledge and expertise.
|
| prophecy |
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.
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Examples of usage
- Her prediction about the outcome of the election was surprisingly accurate.
- The weather forecast includes predictions of heavy rain for tomorrow.
- No one believed his predictions about the stock market, but he turned out to be right.
psychic ability
A statement about what will happen in the future, believed to be revealed by supernatural means.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prediction |
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.
|
| prophecy |
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.
|
| foretelling |
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.
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Examples of usage
- She claimed to have a prediction about a major event that would occur next year.
- The psychic's predictions were eerily accurate.
- Many people seek out fortune tellers for predictions about their future.
sports or competition
An estimate of a score or result in a game or contest.
Synonyms
estimate, forecast, projection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prediction |
Use when talking about a guess or assumption about the future, often based on intuition or limited information.
|
| forecast |
Commonly used in the context of weather or financial markets to describe a prediction based on more detailed data and analysis.
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| projection |
Use when referring to predictions that are based on current trends and data, often used in business and financial contexts.
|
| estimate |
Use when discussing an approximate calculation or judgment, often based on incomplete data or educated guesses.
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Examples of usage
- His prediction for the final score of the match was way off.
- The pundit's predictions for the tournament winner were widely discussed.
- Making accurate predictions in sports betting can be challenging.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Latin 'praedicere,' which means 'to say before.'
- In ancient times, predictions were often made by priests and oracles who claimed to talk to the gods.
Science
- In meteorology, predictions help us forecast the weather using data and technology.
- Statistical models analyze past data to make predictions about future events, such as sales or population growth.
Literature
- Many stories use foreshadowing as a literary device, giving hints about what might happen later.
- Famous novels often feature characters who make predictions that set the stage for dramatic moments.
Psychology
- People often make predictions based on their biases or previous experiences, which can lead to inaccuracies.
- Psychological studies show that humans tend to be overconfident in their predictive abilities, especially about personal life choices.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often feature characters with the ability to predict the future, creating suspense and intrigue.
- Popular mediums like horoscopes and tarot cards offer predictions based on astrology, which many find entertaining.
Translations
Translations of the word "prediction" in other languages:
🇵🇹 predição
🇮🇳 पूर्वानुमान
🇩🇪 Vorhersage
🇮🇩 ramalan
🇺🇦 передбачення
🇵🇱 przewidywanie
🇯🇵 予測 (yosoku)
🇫🇷 prédiction
🇪🇸 predicción
🇹🇷 tahmin
🇰🇷 예측 (yecheug)
🇸🇦 تنبؤ
🇨🇿 předpověď
🇸🇰 predpoveď
🇨🇳 预测 (yùcè)
🇸🇮 napoved
🇮🇸 spá
🇰🇿 болжам
🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება
🇦🇿 proqnoz
🇲🇽 predicción