What does "forecast" mean?

1. (a prediction) a description of what is likely to happen in the future based on information we have now. 2. (to predict) to say what you think will happen in the future. 3. (to foreshadow) to show or suggest that something will happen before it actually does.

forecast

n. · v.

US //ˈfɔɹˌkæst// UK //fˈɔːkɑːst// fore·cast

1 a prediction (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a description of what is likely to happen in the future based on information we have now.

a calculation or estimation of future events, especially regarding weather or financial trends.

Example

The weather forecast says it will be sunny all weekend.

Example

The economic forecast suggests that inflation will remain steady for the next quarter, providing some relief to small business owners.
- history
- retrospect
2 to predict (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to say what you think will happen in the future.

to predict or estimate a future event or trend. Transitive — usually takes a noun phrase object representing the predicted outcome.

Example

Experts forecast that the population will grow by ten percent.

Example

Meteorologists forecast a severe winter, prompting local authorities to stockpile salt and grit for the mountain passes.
- predict
- foretell
- project

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 to foreshadow (v.)
C2 Proficiency Literary

to show or suggest that something will happen before it actually does.

to serve as an advance indication or omen of a future event.

Example

The dark clouds forecast a coming storm in the story.

Example

The sudden drop in stock prices forecast the deeper financial crisis that would eventually grip the entire continent.
- foreshadow
- augur
- presage

Origin

From Middle English forecasten, forcasten, equivalent to fore- + cast. The noun is from Middle English forecast, forcast.