prediction

prediction — noun

1. words in speech or writing that give someone's view of a future event or result

1.nounB2
Definition

words in speech or writing that give someone's view of a future event or result

Example

The weather app's prediction said heavy rain would reach Tainan by noon.

prediction + that-clause about the future

Mina laughed when Paul's prediction about the game came true.

prediction about + noun

Common collocations
  • make a prediction
  • bold prediction
  • correct prediction
  • prediction about the result
Synonyms
  • forecast

    very close, especially for weather, business, and other evidence-based future statements

  • projection

    more formal and often used for numbers, growth, or costs

  • prophecy

    much less everyday and often linked to religion, fate, or literature

  • outlook

    broader and often means a general expectation rather than one clear statement

Grammar Patterns

make a prediction

prediction that + clause

prediction about [event]

Usage Note

Usually countable and often follows make. It commonly takes about + noun, and a that-clause is used when the exact future event is stated.

Common Mistakes

The coach said a prediction that we would win.
The coach made a prediction that we would win.
English says make a prediction, not say a prediction.

2. the process of deciding likely future events from signs, facts, or earlier patte

2.nounB2
Definition

the process of deciding likely future events from signs, facts, or earlier patterns

Example

Better prediction of floods saved two riverside villages last year.

prediction of + noun

Computer prediction helps doctors at Chiayi Hospital choose safer treatment plans.

technical use in science and medicine

Common collocations
  • prediction of floods
  • accurate prediction
  • improve prediction
  • prediction model
Synonyms
  • forecasting

    a close process word, especially in weather and business contexts

  • modelling

    more technical and often refers to building a system for making predictions

  • estimation

    broader and not limited to future events

  • projection

    often used when the process produces future numbers or trends

Grammar Patterns

prediction of floods

prediction of ticket sales

accurate prediction

Usage Note

Often found in technical writing and planning talk rather than everyday conversation. Common with of + noun when talking about weather, disease, sales, or risk.

Common Mistakes

Scientists improved the prediction about floods.
Scientists improved the prediction of floods.
for the activity or method, prediction usually takes of, not about.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For noun sense 1, prediction is the broad everyday word for a statement about the future. Forecast is very close, but it is especially common for weather, business, and other evidence-based estimates. Projection sounds more formal and is often used for numbers, growth, or costs over time. Prophecy is much less everyday; it usually suggests religion, fate, or a dramatic literary tone, not ordinary guessing. Outlook is broader and can mean a general expectation rather than one clear statement. A TV presenter gives a weather forecast, an accountant makes a sales projection, and a novel may describe an old prophecy. In ordinary speech, prediction fits almost any situation.

forecast ↗projection ↗prophecy ↗outlook ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • weather prediction
  • sales prediction
  • election prediction

Phrases

  • make a prediction
  • accurate prediction
  • prediction about the future

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Prediction came into English from Latin predictio, which meant a saying made beforehand. It is built from prae, meaning before, and dicere, meaning to say.