forecast

forecast — noun

1. a written or spoken report about what will probably happen in a particular area,

1.nounB1
Definition

a written or spoken report about what will probably happen in a particular area, made by studying the information one has. The word is often used for weather, economic conditions, or business results.

Example

The weather forecast says heavy rain will arrive by Friday evening.

Economic forecasts predict slower growth in the manufacturing sector this year.

economic forecasts + sector predictions

Common collocations
  • weather forecast
  • economic forecast
  • sales forecast
  • forecast calls for
  • forecast predicts
  • long-range forecast
  • forecast for tomorrow
Synonyms
  • prediction

    broader; can be used in any context, whether data-based or not

  • projection

    more technical; based on numerical models and assumptions

  • outlook

    less specific; describes the general expected situation rather than a detailed statement

Antonyms
  • hindsight

    understanding of a situation after it has happened, not before

Grammar Patterns

forecast + of + noun

adjective + forecast

Common Mistakes

I made a forecast about his personality.
I made a prediction about his personality.
'forecast' is usually used for data-based expectations (weather, economy, business), not personal traits.

forecast — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Forecast' implies a formal, data-based statement about future events, typically used for weather, economic conditions, or business results — an economist forecasts inflation rates, not a student's exam score. 'Predict' is much broader and can be used in any context, from scientific ('predict an earthquake') to personal ('predict a movie ending'). 'Project' is more technical, suggesting calculations based on existing trends and assumptions, often used in finance and statistics. 'Anticipate' focuses on expectation and preparation rather than making a statement — you anticipate a delay by leaving early, whereas you forecast rain by studying weather data. Use 'forecast' when the outcome is based on analysed information; use 'predict' for a wider range of future claims; use 'project' for numerical estimates from models; and use 'anticipate' when the emphasis is on readiness, not the prediction itself.

forecast ↗predict ↗project ↗anticipate ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • according to forecasts
  • forecast calls for
  • forecast predicts

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishOld NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

'Forecast' was formed in Middle English by combining 'fore-' (meaning 'before') with 'casten' (meaning 'to throw or plan'). The original idea was 'to plan ahead' or 'to throw one's thoughts forward.' The noun form appeared in the 17th century, and the word became especially common in the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of weather reporting and economic analysis.