predict
v.-
1 to forecast the future (v.) B1 Intermediate Academic General-serviceto say that an event will happen in the future.
to state that a specific event will happen in the future based on current knowledge or reasoning.
ExampleIt is difficult to predict the weather more than a few days in advance.
ExampleEconomists failed to predict the sudden market crash despite several warning signs in the housing sector.
UsageOften followed by a noun phrase or a 'that' clause.
- forecast
- foretell
- anticipate
- recollect
- review
PitfallThe weather man predicted about a storm.The weather man predicted a storm.The verb 'predict' is transitive and takes a direct object; do not use the preposition 'about'.
-
2 to aim a weapon (v.) C2 Proficiency Technical Militaryto aim a weapon at a moving target by calculating where it will be.
to direct a ranged weapon against a target using a predictor device to calculate lead and elevation.
ExampleThe system was designed to predict the path of incoming missiles.
ExampleAdvanced fire-control systems are required to predict the trajectory of supersonic aircraft with sufficient accuracy for interception.
UsageUsed primarily in technical military contexts regarding ballistics.
Early 17th century, from Latin praedīcō (“to mention beforehand”) (perfect passive participle praedictus), from prae- (“before”) + dīcō (“to say”). Equivalent to Germanic forespeak, foretell, and foresay.